Race director and founder Kevin Young, right, can always count on long-time event volunteer Frank Stevens.
Leave it to a place that sells ice cream to give you lots of choices.
Especially on Sunday.
McConnell’s Ice Cream of Santa Barbara 33rd annual Endurance Events had a little something for everybody: 5k, 10k, biathlon (10k run/1-mile swim), 1-mile swim, Kids’ Mile beach run.
And, once gain, another great crowd.
“We had 190 pre-registrations and expected another couple of hundred on-site sign-ups,” said Kevin Young, founding race director. “But this year, we have a lot more kids.”
The $20 entry fee allows you to enter as many events as you like.
All proceeds help local youth running programs.
“And we’re still the only venue that let’s you compete for free if you are 19 and younger or 65 and older,” Young added.
“The Price is Right” for entertainer Drew Carey and his extended family who all made the trip from the Southland — the 5k was the first race for many of them, while the seasoned-running veteran Drew ran the 10k and shaved over three minutes off his 2010 McConnell’s PR.
Race conditions were cool and clear — perfect for running. Water temperature for the swims was also a comfortable mid-60 degrees.
Even the sun made a cameo appearance — it came out mid-way through the mid-morning biathlon.
The 5k presented fresh faces at the finish.
Jason Brosseau,, a 1st Lieutenant stationed at Vandenberg AFB, won the 5k run in 16:11. (Randy Weiss photos)
And you might say that Jason Brosseau, 25, who is serving our country as a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Air Force and stationed at Vandenberg AFB, was on ‘very active duty,’ as he finished first at 16 minutes 11 seconds.
“That’s the tenth fastest time since 1985,” said Young.
Brosseau, who also finished second in the 10k, is preparing for a special homecoming — the Chicago Marathon.
Local favorite Ricky Ho came cruising in at 22:35 with camera in hand and flashing shots at the finish.
“It’s supposed to be a rest day. My coach told me to take it easy, that I couldn’t break 22 minutes,” Ho said. “So, I came in a little over 22 minutes.”
Meanwhile, brand new Summerland resident and local attorney, Jill Himlan, 27, was the first 5k female finisher at 19:18.
Jessica Douglas was the women’s winner in the 10k in 39:17.
“I love it here!” said this Santa Cruz native who attended law school in Sacramento and who is making many new friends on the local racing circuit.
In the 10k, Atascadero’s Justin Banks, 30, picked up first-place hardware with a winning time of 33:42.
Jessica Douglas, 29, who trains locally with Rusty Snow, was the first female finisher at 39:17.
Everyone in the Kid’s Mile Beach Run was a winner, including those running hand-in-hand with mom or dad. There were many smiles.
And the best part of the entire morning?
There was ice cream everywhere!
With all kinds of flavors, toppings and sauces, it made the selections very easy because just like the races, the choice was yours.
And you could pick everything.
Among the many activities the McConnell’s Endurance Events offered was a Kids Mile Beach Run at Goleta Beach Park.
