Monday, March 22, 1999
HEART MINI-MARATHON NOTEBOOK
Race doesn't miss a beat
BY MARK SCHMETZER
Enquirer contributor
Sunday morning's persistent wind was just about the only negative aspect race director John Lonneman could find in Sunday's 22nd annual Heart Mini-Marathon.
Temperatures in the 40s, bright sunshine, and a large number of participants more than made up for the breeze.
“The weather certainly cooperated,” said Lonneman, who was in his second year as director of the race, which benefits the American Heart Association (AHA). “This is a good temper ature for the runners. It's just a little bit windy.
“Last year, it was pretty hot. This year, we've got perfect weather.”
Lonneman expected race-day registrations to push the number of participants in the day's activities — a 5-kilometer race, the 15-kilometer Mini-Marathon, a 10-kilometer walk and a 2-kilometer children's Mini-MaraFun — to 9,500.
The AHA expected to raise $250,000 through corporate sponsorships and participating pledges to help fund its medical research and education programs.
“Everything's gone very smoothly,” Lonneman said. “We haven't had any medical situations. Again, the cool weather and low humidity help with that.”
Lonneman also was pleased with being able to run the race on Columbia Parkway after having to shift the course last year because of construction.
“Columbia Parkway makes it so much easier for us and for the runners,” he said. “It's very scenic, and it gives us the ability to give the runners maximum protection.”
TOP RED CAP: West Chester resident Steve Hoffman is no stranger to the Heart Mini-Marathon, but he was no less thrilled with his finish. He was so excited about competing that he forgot to turn on his wrist timer.
Hoffman, 51, led the Red Cap contingent across the finish line. The Red Cap group was made up of participants who have come through some sort of heart ailment or proce dure. Hoffman had a heart attack and bypass surgery 31/2 years ago.
“I started running when I was 28,” said Hoffman, who finished the Mini-Marathon in 1:07. “Both of my parents died young. My father died of a heart attack when he was 42, and my mother died when she was 38. She had diabetes. To be honest, if I hadn't been running, I probably would have died.”
Debra Dixon, 40, of Blanchester, led the women's Red Cap group in the Mini-Marathon.
WHEELCHAIR CHAMP: Other Mini-Marathon champions included Loveland's Kevin Hosea, 14, in the wheelchair division. He completed the course in 45:16.
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