Haensel Wins Renton ParkRun #297

 

The Silver Strider online presents
 

Race Review

Renton Parkrun #297

by Jerry Dietrich
with Photos by Bruce Fisher

January 11, 2025- Renton
Who would have dreamed it? One hundred and twelve runners appearing at the Silver Strider ParkRun. It was the 2nd race in the Ambassador Series. Was it just 3 three short weeks ago that we had a record turnout here of 81 runners? What motivated a 40% increase over a previous high in participation?

Everywhere you looked there were Silver Strider shirts and hats. These runners were serious. They were going for Ambassador Status in ’25. The cold weather didn’t deter their resolve. Shirts and singlets over multi-layered clothing and jackets were in evidence everywhere.

I only walked 200 yards when I realized it was too cold for me. Just a few deep breathes of the freezing air made my lungs hurt. I was just recovering from a bout of pneumonia and it would have been foolish to continue. I went back to the warmth of the car to await the leading finishers.

As I watched for the first runner, I thought to myself that Chris Fisher would probably be first Silver Strider.

Suddenly, a lone runner appeared. It was Tyler Patton, a fast runner who has won this event last week. As he came closer to the finish, I wondered where his competition was. No one else in sight. He crossed the finish line in 19:00, two seconds slower than his 18:58 the previous week.. It would be over a minute before the next runner finished in 20:17.

Soon, I spotted Chris Fisher with his familiar beard chasing a couple of younger runners. It looked like he might have some competition right on his heels. Sure enough, three Silver Striders crossed the finish only a few seconds apart. Chris Fisher 21:31, Colin Sumner 21:43 and Sean Celli 21:21:57 swept across the finish in 10th, 11th, and 12th overall. Congratulations Chris!

The first woman overall was just a few seconds behind Chris in 15th place overall. I was surprised to see it was the amazing Diane Haensel. How exciting to see a Silver Strider finishing as the first woman overall. Her time was a sizzling 22:20.

I enjoyed the day as a spectator. It was a welcome change from bring up the rear.

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Here are the results in photos by Bruce Fisher.

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