The West Mansfield Firecracker 5000 went out with a bang on Wednesday as it held its final race after 25 years.
The July 4th tradition had about 250 runners compete with entries ranging from under 12 years old to above 60. The 5K saw one of its largest running crowds as it wound through the village. The race began and finished at the West Mansfield Conservation Club.
Overall male and female winners were local runners. Nate Orndorf of Bellefontaine was the overall winner with a time of 16:41. Vanessa Wilkins was the fastest female with a time of 20:27.
Director Mike Coder says its been a great 25 years but the planning committee felt it was the right time to move on and end the yearly race. He explained how extra efforts were made to make this years event special, from the t-shirt design to door prizes for participants.
Listen to Mike Coder talk about the Firecracker 5000.
West Mansfield saw many other Independence Day activities throughout Wednesday including a main street parade and slow-pitch softball tournament.
Male Age Group Winners:
Overall Winner
Nate Orndof 16:41
A - (12 & under)
1. Landon Wenger 25:21
2. Zane Scheiderer 27:03
B - (13-15)
1. Storm Harmon 20:13
2. Wyatt Warren 20:49
C - (16-19)
1. David Wenger 19:03
2. Caleb Titus 19:33
D - (21-25)
1. A.J. West 17:12
2. Cody Rees 22:30
E - (26-30)
1. Mike VanWinkle 18:01
2. Morgan Longshore 28:12
F - (31-35)
1. John Bodin 20:03
2. Matt Comer 24:02
G - (36-40)
1. Jeremy McGowan 20:27
2. Cory Savage 20:42
H - (41-45)
1. Rick Collins 22:17
2. Rodney Collins 24:46
I - (46-50)
1. Earl Zilles 18:14
2. Peter Arbogast 19:35
J - (51-55)
1. Bob Core 20:29
2. David Reed 21:08
K - (56-60)
1. Art Stormer 20:53
2. Steve Titus 24:49
L - (61 & up)
1. Steve Jenkins 29:47
2. Dan Risner 30:33
Female Age Group Winners
Overall Winner
Vanessa Wilkins 20:22
AA - (12 & up)
1. Emma Wenger 29:21
2. Rachael Collins 29:40
BB - (13-16)
1. Krystal Null 23:22
2. Kiersten McMahon 24:40
CC - (17-20)
1. Courtney Forsythe 25:04
2. Chelsey Burns 25:27
DD - (21-29)
1. Cayla Orr 27:17
2. Sarah Bell 29:13
EE - (30-34)
1. Allison Ronco 24:41
2. Deb Manns 26:25
FF - (35-39)
1. Alexis Scheiderer 24:35
2. Meg Manns 25:54
GG - (40-45)
1. Darcy Lallathin 23:04
2. Monica Newlon 24:43
HH - (46-49)
1. Annette Bauer 22:26
2. Brenda Herron 22:39
II - (50-55)
1. Linda Knauber 29:19
2. Cindy Titus 29:25
JJ - (56 & up)
1. Ritsuko Jenkins 27:29
2. Ann Wildermuth 35:45
