By Jolene Ross
Special for The State News
Lansing - As soon as the runners finished a 5K race on Saturday at Hawk Island Park, most ran under a pavilion to get dry and warm.
Rain and sleet caused some problems for the annual Food & Fitness 5K Run/Walk fund-raising event sponsored by the Lansing Dietetic Association, but the amount of money raised was not affected.
As expected by race officials, funds increased, with almost $5,000 raised for Lansing area food banks.
"I'm happy with that for this kind of weather," said Gayle Hood, treasurer for the Lansing Dietetic Association. "This is the worst I can remember; it's usually not so wet."
Hood said she expects to have about $4,800 to split between the Greater Lansing and MSU food banks after all event-related bills are paid. Last year, $3,000 was raised.
About 400 walkers and runners participated this year compared to about 450 participants last year, but nearly 60 children were in the races at the beginning, up from about 50 children in 2004.
Besides fewer participants, the weather also caused problems for race organizers, who had to change the course to eliminate areas in the Scott Woods Park that were too icy for runners.
"It was just too messy back in the woods, so we didn't want anyone to hurt themselves," said Karen Giles-Smith, co-chairwoman for the event.
Some participants enjoyed the weather, such as Abigail Wilson, 7, of Okemos.
"I liked the rain," she said while raindrops were still running down her face.
Wilson came to the race with her Brownie Troop 489. Troop leader Pamela Pommerenke brought the troop to the races to promote nutrition awareness.
"So far it's been a lot of fun," Pommerenke said. "It's been cold and wet, but last year it was, too."
The children ran in either a half-mile or 100-meter race before the 5K race started. Hannah Schafer, 4, and her sister Megan, 2, of Grand Ledge both ran in the 100-meter dash. Afterward, they only wanted to see the person in the cow costume.
Children's activities continued during the 5K race with a SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick photo booth and warm bread, soup and fresh fruit.
As runners made their way in from the course to the pavilion to grab a snack, they didn't seem to mind running in the freezing rain.
Marty Barnes, a business administration graduate student, finished fourth overall and first in his age group. He said it was only a little chilly, but steam rose off his body.
"It was wet, but it wasn't slippery," Barnes said. "If there was ice, I would have fallen."
The first place male runner was Patrick Wehrman of Lansing, with a 15:59.1 finish. The top female runner was Maggie Murphy of St. Johns, with a 21:28.0 finish.
Josefine Lampasona, a 2004 MSU graduate, also didn't seem to mind the low temperatures and rain. She volunteered at the event last year and came back to support it this year. Lampasona finished fifth in her age group and 61st overall.
"Even though it wasn't ideal conditions, it was fun," Lampasona said.
For complete results, see www.playmakers.com.
