Runners including, from left, Robert Stianchi, 42, Matthew Mueller, 41, Gypsy Cooper, 27, and Mikaela Vlasic, 25, take part in the Tex Mex 5K Race for Open Space Photo by James Short.
The event Wednesday night brought out brave racers in near 90-degree heat to raise funds for Wissahickon Trails
It was a night of perspiration for preservation.
More than 1,100 racers braved near 90-degree heat and got drenched in sweat Wednesday night in North Wales Borough for the sold out 35th annual Tex Mex Connection 5K Race for Open Space, one of the most popular midweek 5K runs in the region, which raises money for open space preservation for Wissahickon Trails.
Known as the “Margarita Run,” the event, according to race organizer Run the Day, is often imitated but never duplicated.
Prizes were awarded to top male and female runners in various categories. First place male and female racers – Lance Nicholls, 21, and Diane Neubauer, 36 – got a $100 gift certificate to the North Wales restaurant and bar. Also, second place got $75, and third place received $50.
Nicholls had a clock/chip time of 00:16:01 with a 5:09 pace. Neubauer had a clock/chip time of 00:17:10, with a 5:32 pace.
Overall second place winners were Ross Wistar, 32, and Melanie Vlasic, 29, and third place winners overall were Thomas Rozinski, 28, and Gypsy Cooper, 27.
The Masters Division, for ages 40 and over, awarded $75 gift certificates to top male and female racers.
There were also prizes for top three finishers in five-year age groups, ranging from 15 and under to 70-plus, based on chip time. First, second and third place racers received $30, $25, and $20 gift certificates, respectively.
The youngest racer was 6-year-old Noah Schmidt. The oldest racer was 86-year-old Sandra Folzer.
All racers were treated to food and drinks afterward.
Check out the results of the race here and check out pics from the race in our gallery below!
See Tex Mex Connection's menu here.
