Nite Moves begins 27th season, adds new events

Nite Moves Santa Barbara

The 5k runners get ready to go at the season opener of Nite Moves at Shoreline Park. (Presidio Sports Photos)

The 27th season of Nite Moves had its season opener at Leadbetter Beach Park on Wednesday, the first of many run/swim events held weekly from now through late August.

One hundred and eighty four runners competed in the season opener and 80 swimmers took to the water.

The fastest individuals in each race were: Ricky Ho in the 5k run, Steven Hunt in the 1k swim, and Ethan Hall in the 1k swim/5k run aquathon. Kate Stuart was the top female finisher in the 5k with a time of 19:31 while running barefoot. Ho’s time in the 5k was 18:05.

COMPLETE RESULTS

The youngest to complete the 5k course were three 11 year olds: Julian Barthel, Ian Hammel and Logan Hillyer. Ralph Philbrick, 81, got the job done on the other end of the spectrum.

Regulars will notice a couple new features at Nite Moves this year. The traditional aquathon, a 1K swim combined with the 5k run, has been supplemented by a shorter version for beginners (500 meter swim and 1 mile run).

There is also a new 2k ocean swim distance. The inaugural 2k race was won by Ryan Wenger in 23:11. Karen Schultz was second.

A majority stuck to the traditional 5k run and 1k swim on Wednesday, however.

Kate Stuart runs barefoot through Shoreline Park.

Kate Stuart runs barefoot through Shoreline Park.

Ricky Ho - Nite Moves

Ricky Ho crossed the finish line first in the 5k run of Nite Moves.