The local runners came out to support the Westmont College athletics at the inaugural Westmonster 5-kilometer run throught the picturesque Montecito campus on a warm Thursday.
Ricky Ho of Carpinteria won the race, which started at Lovik Field and finished on the new track and soccer facility, in 18 minute, 6 seconds. Ryan Warner came in second in 18:17 and Mike Swan grabbed third in 18:53.
Kelsey Larsen of Wayzata, Minn. edged Goleta’s Sarah Shasberger by two seconds (22:44 to 22:46) to win the women’s race. Lindsey Pelascini of Camarillo was third in 22:51.
The race drew 103 runners, including Westmont students, faculty, coaches and their families.
Bailey Wolf, the daughter of men’s soccer coach Dave Wolf, won the girls 14-under age group with a time of 22:54.
Larsen was the winner of the 15-19 group and Karly Downing took the 20-24 age bracket in 23:58. Jamie Freeman finished first in the 25-29 group in 25:55, Pelascini won the 30-34 division and Christy Lozano captured the 35-39 category in 26:28.
The other women’s age group winners were Dawn Schroeder (40-44) in 24:10, Katy McDaniel (45-49) in 26:51, Ojai’s Cynthia Wilson (50-54) in 28:05, Sylvia Sullivan (55-59) in 43:08 and Maddie Smith (60-64) in 44:13.
In the men’s age groups, Walker Odell, the son of Westmont athletic director Dave Odell, won the 14-under group in 20-48. Aric Diesen took first in the 15-19 bracket in 20:05 and Evan Engle ran 24:24 to capture the 20-24 division.
Warner was the 25-29 winner, Ho topped the 30-34 division and Swan took the 35-39 bracket. Other winners were Rick Jones (40-44) in 19:11, Joe Nordin (45-49) in 18:53, Lee Carter (50-54) in 20:50, Donald Faith (55-59) in 21:57, Joe Howell (60-64) in 24:41 and Tom Kutrosky (75-79) in 38:09.
