Waseca Lakefest, 20th annual Freedom Run

With 91 degrees forecast to be the high for the day, the Lakefest Freedom Run kids’ marathon took place at 8 a.m., fortunately missing the hottest part of Friday, July 4: There were 12 children ages 4 to 15 taking part. Their course was one mile in length, taking them through the Clear Lake parking lot, along the beach and around the tennis courts twice. Emcee for the day was Duane Rathmann; about 30 volunteers served in support and safety roles, standing on street corners or minding traffic for the marathoners.

 

In first place for the kids’ round was Reed Coen, Owatonna, with a time of 6.59 minutes. Monty Revermann, Waseca, was second with 8.37, and in third was Danielle Coen, Owatonna, at 8.39. All children who completed the entire mile regardless of place received a medal. Sheryl Rathmann, wife to Duane, was helping to get people signed up. When asked why she was helping out today she replied, “To enjoy the wonderful fourth of July celebrations. This morning it’s been a great turnout, all our volunteers showed up and all of this benefits the Waseca Lakes Association.” Refreshments of water and bananas were provided nearby to the thirsty children who were coming in hot.

 

With the children’s race finished by 8:15 a.m., the 5.0 run around Clear Lake and the Wiggle Butt Dog Walk started on time at 8:30 a.m. Duane Rathman said, “Good luck to everyone” and sent them on their way. There were 70 people running the marathon and more than 40 took part in the dog walk. Trish Mercier, another volunteer, was on a bike. She first showed the children how to navigate their run, then was kind enough to ride around the lake to show the adults.

 

In first place was Cole Halla, Waseca, with a time of 28.11. Halla said, “I’m doing this race for myself; I really wanted to be active on the fourth. I just got done with a half marathon in Cedarburg; I will be doing another marathon in New York in October and all this is great training.” In second was Michelle Baxter, Waseca, her time was 32.33. Logan Goetl, Mankato, was third with a time of 32.57.

 

The Waseca Lakes Association expressed its thanks to Discover Waseca, the VFW, American Legion Auxiliary, American Family Insurance, ICAN, Keen Bank, Jevning Properties, MPeters Enterprises Inc., Mayo Clinic, the Mill, Dennis Steffel Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Services, American Legion, Kiesler’s Campground, Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, Sons of the American Legion, Minnwest Bank and the Waseca Area Foundation.