On Sunday, May 3, 938 registered runners participated in Menlo-Atherton High School’s 10th annual Big Bear run, including the first international runner, a young lady who was visiting San Francisco from Mexico. The 5K race serves as a key fundraiser for M-A’s athletic programs.
The “Fastest Bears” — the fastest boy and girl M-A students — were Kevin Conrad, with a time of 17:41 and Madeleine Baier, with a time of 20:07.
Emails race co-chair Dana Hayse: “Race day is always an incredible morning at M-A, generating a wonderful feeling of spirit and enthusiasm for the school and the whole community.”
The overall winner was Ernesto Aristeo (pictured with mascot) with a time of 17.10.490 minutes.
First place finishers by age included women Daisy Barrera (22.27.460, 12 and under), Madeleine Baier (20:07:257, 13-18), Jessica Gibby (18:57.663, 19-29), Mahelet Jimenez (19:07.853, 30-39), Tina Zamora (21:41:947, 40-49), Cheryl Cathey (21:31:693, 50-59), Nancy Wagstaff (27:53:940, 60-69), Amber Henninger (43:17:097, age 81).
Male top place finishers were Alejandro Torres (20:20.667, 12 and under), Kevin Conrad (17:41:457, 13-18), Joe Berentsen (17:52:377, 19-29), Ernesto Aristeo (17:09:367, 30-39), Ahmet Gokcek (17:34:927, 40-49), John Hale (18:24:696, 50-59), Greg Bohlmann, (23:30:953, 60-69), Ray Holger (32:30.007, 70+).
Start of race photo by Laura Hamilton; winner with mascot courtesy of race organizers