The Independence Day 5k

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The Indy 5k.

by Jerry Dietrich
with photos by Bruce Fisher

July 4, 2025 – Tacoma
All the fastest runners were assembled. A large contingent of Silver Striders were on hand. They were at the start line a couple of blocks south of Vasault Park. Some were running to and fro to warm up for the race ahead and some were jogging in place.
The start was 5 minutes away and some of the fastest runners in the state were on hand. The Independence Day 5k Race was the place where hundreds of runners gathered, hoping to make the TOP IO rankings on the speedy downhill course.
After a nice flat quarter mile warmup section, a gradual downhill decent began. Then the downhill course began getting steeper with each passing block. There was no braking by the leader as he tore into Point Defiance park. The course meandered through the park following a new, wide, concrete path. Finally, the course erupted onto a steep downhill which led to the beach just north of Anthony’s Restaurant. The remainder of the course was flat running along the water for a half mile or so.

The finish was set up nicely in typical TCMA fashion and results were available to runners shortly after they finished. The top three in each age group were able to collect their ribbons promptly.
Those who had left their cars parked at the finish early that morning and rode the shuttle bus to the start were rewarded by being able to leave for home when ready.
Runners who parked at the start that morning had to stand around in a long line for a long time awaiting the shuttle bus to return them to their vehicles near the start.

There were lots of tired smiles worn by runners who had ran their fastest time of the year.

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Jerry’s notes:
This marks the midway point in the year. I took time to assess the goals I had hoped for at the start in January. My hopes were for 40 Ambassador Series finishers. We presently have 32 runners on schedule to finish the necessary 8 races. The next two months should tell us if my goal can be met.

My second goal was to have 20 runners attain Super Athlete status in 2025. It is difficult to assess our progress toward this goal. We will know more following the 3k Championship at Lakefair. Reaching the goal of 20 Super Athletes this year appears doubtful, but still possible.

I thought we might have as many as 6 Triple champions this year, but that number was way too high. With only the 3k championship remaining, the the likely triple champions for 2025 will be, Michael Magnussen M55-59, Ed Heckard M75-79 & M80-84 and Judy Fisher W80-84. These three 10k and 5k champions need only to win their age group in the 3k at Lakefair to become triple champions for 2025.

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Indy 5k results in photos by Bruce Fisher

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Post race lunch