Costumed runners participating in Whittier’s 5K “Fit For LIfe” Run/Walk

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Eric Terrazas

Staff Writer

411whittier.com

WHITTIER – Nearly 1,000 runners young and old participated in Whittier’s fourth annual 5K “Fit for Life” run/walk on a foggy Saturday morning.

The Oct. 26, 2013 event, presented by the Whittier Community Foundation and the Whittier Host Lions Club, started and finished at the Whittier Community Center. Many of the runners also came decked out to sprint in costume.

Eli Rodriguez was the overall winner of the 5K, completing the course in 15 minutes, 14 seconds.

Pasadena resident Emily Garwood emerged as the top overall female performer. Garwood, who wore a Ms. Pac-Man costume, finished with a mark of 22:47.

“It’s really exciting,” Garwood said. “I never won a race before (as overall winner). It’s my first time racing here. It was great. I liked the uphill start – it got you ready to go. Then it was downhill later and that was a nice way to do it.”

According to race director Greg Alaniz, the event attracted about 850 runners.

“It’s getting bigger and bigger every year,” Alaniz said. “We had runners coming from the South Bay, Apple Valley, Tujunga and Orange County. It’s just a wonderful event and it’s a great community event. We have a great partnership with the Whittier Host Lions.”

The Whittier Community Foundation proceeds will go toward the community while the Whittier Host Lions Club proceeds will benefit “Sight for Kids,” a program that provides no-cost eye exams and eyeglasses for underprivileged children in Whittier.

@411whittierspts