Back in Shape Run Attracts Top Runners To Campus

Moses Waweru and Jemima Jelagat each took home $1,000 after winning Northwestern Health Sciences University’s Center for Diagnostic Imaging Back in Shape Run June 24. Waweru was the first male finisher of the 5K race, finishing with a time of 14:47, which broke the course record by more than a minute and was one of the top 5K times in the state this year. Jelagat finished fourth overall and was the first female finisher, finishing with a time of 15:34, a personal best for the Kenyan. It also broke the course record by three minutes, and was one of the fastest 5K times by a woman in Minnesota this year.

A total of 197 people participated in the Back in Shape Run, a 40 percent increase over last year. Thirty participated in the 5K walk and 39 children took part in the kids’ 1/4-mile and 1/2-mile races. Among the participants in the race was Janis Klecker, a former 1984 Olympic runner and the daughter of Norman Horns, MD, a faculty member at Northwestern. She finished with a time of 19:57.

The event featured a difficult course that attracted runners from around the world. Jelagat traveled from Tuscon, Ariz., to compete in the event. Both she and Waweru are originally from Kenya. Additionally, participants had the opportunity to raise pledges for four organizations: Cornerstone, an advocacy organization offering comprehensive services for victims of domestic violence; Washburn Elementary School, which is located on the same city block as Northwestern; Bloomington United for Youth, which promotes the development of supportive environments and personal strengths which children and youth need; and the Northwestern Community Partnership Fund, which provides grants to outside organizations. Pledge amounts are still being tallied.

“This was a great run,” said Waweru. “I am hoping to come back next year to defend my win.”

For the complete race results, click here.

Here is what a few of the runners had to say about this event:

“Lovely food and cafeteria; set-up was exceptional. The race workers were friendly and helpful!”
-Suzanne Ray from Vadnais Heights

“I was inspired to be running with women and men in their 60s and 70s! Your event was well organized, welcoming and professionally done. The food was healthy and balanced. Thank you! There were nice prizes and the route was well patrolled; I felt safe. It was a very relaxing awards ceremony, plus very helpful registration and check-in process.”
-Dee Dee Anderson from Forest Lake

“Most fun I’ve had running!”
-Beatrix Francois from Shakopee

“Very well-organized from start to finish – thank you! Excellent food and timely awards ceremony.”
-Lindsay Blattner from St. Paul

“First-class event with lots of extras; I LOVED this race back when it was a 5K and 10K; it’s still a wonderful event.”
-John Brown from Kenyon

“What a great spread of food after the race; I had a great time and will be back.”
-Kevin Morgan from Bloomington

“It was a fun, upbeat atmosphere! I liked the video of the race in the cafeteria. (I could see the finish, even though I was at the back of the pack!) The number of participants was good – small number rather than thousands!”
-Marjorie Rosendahl from Fridley

“An excellent race.”
-Dave Dahl from Edina

“I ran it many years ago – was glad to see it back!”
-Wylene VanGuilder from Delano

“Well organized.”
-Lauren Preisen from Chicago, IL

“This was the best post-race meal of any race I’ve ever done and I’ve been running for 30 years! No complaints at all, volunteers were great. Thanks!”
-Bob Eder from Fairbanks, AK

“The support and video recordings are great. The encouragement at the finish line was a highlight.”
-Cheryle Theisen from Prior Lake

Jemima Jelegat and Moses Waweru were the overall winners in 2006, setting new course records.	An outlandish post-race buffet was a highlight for many participants.	Kids lined up for 1/4 mile and 1/2 mile races.
Fighting to finish the race.	The runners prepare to start.	Bloomington Mayor Gene Winstead participated in the 5K Run.
Coming into the finish.	Moses Waweru coming into the finish with a time of 14:47. Marty Rosendahl was a close second.	The CDI Back In Shape Run is truly a family-friendly event.
Balloon twisting, face painting, and music provided a morning of activities for the children.	All children received a blue ribbon for participating.	Winners received their name on a plaque and a $1,000 top prize for both men and women.