Betty’s Special Friends

10/22/2023

The Silver Strider online presents

Race Reports

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Betty’s Special Friends

By Jerry Dietrich
with Photos by Bruce Fisher

I can’t express my gratitude enough to Betty’s special friends who came to her memorial race. I had hoped for a decent turnout but was not prepared for the outpouring of love I found at Renton. I hadn’t seen some of the runners present for 2 years or more.

In the group photo below is Betty’s great grandson Everett, standing (center) in front of Jerry. Everett was ready to complete his first 5k, honoring his great grandmother.

Here is a big THANK YOU to Betty’s special friends.
Mickey Allen, Dave Anderson, Nick Bailey, Tiare Bailey, Jerry Bronson, Dana Childs, Molly Childs, David Crawford, Bruce Fisher, Judy Fisher, Candice Gill, Everett Gill, Robert Gill, Arne Hales, Ed Heckard, Patty Husko, Steve Husko, Diane Johnson, Karl Johnson, Larry Larsen, Nanci Larsen, Keith Lerew, Sandra Madden, John Marsteller, Diane Martin, Marsha Murray, John Phillips, Gretchen Ramsdell, Robert Shirley, Kent Sizer, Brent White, Geri White, Laura White, Dennis Zaborac and Richard Zerbe.

October 14, 2023 – Renton

It was a lovely day for running. Cool weather, no rain, no wind, and a solar eclipse during the race to make it memorable. The course is certainly one of the most beautiful courses you could find.

Molly Childs made special racing bibs for everyone. The bibs pictured Betty holding the four gold medals she won at the Senior Games. It was spectacular. Some of the runners wore the bibs on their back, and some wore them in front. There were some tears, but lots of smiles too, as we shared memories of the departed leader of our group.
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As for the race itself, it was once again, Keith Lerew, who led the way for men Silver Striders with a blistering 20:26. The first female Silver Strider was Sara Song with a 26:19.

Some notable performances included Judy Fisher joining the all-time Washington W80-84 TOP IO. She is now ranked in the 3rd position with her time of 32:28. Also making the all-time W80-84 TOP IO was Diane Johnson with a time of 40:40, good for 6th position. On the men’s side, Richard Zerbe made the Washington all-time men’s 85-89 list in 10th position with 41:45. To see the all-time marks by 80 plus runners, click on Hall Of Fame on the menu.

Trophies were given out to the top 3 finishers in each age group.