Competing Stalwarts: Bustrak and Hanneman Lead the Pack in Lift Bridge Road Race
The Lift Bridge Road Race, the second event in the Run Stillwater series, took place on June 14, attracting over 900 runners to the picturesque St. Croix Valley. This year's race offered distances of 5 kilometers, 10 kilometers, 10 miles, and 13.1 miles, providing a challenge for runners of all abilities.
In the men's half marathon, Joseph Bustrak of Stillwater emerged victorious, crossing the finish line in an impressive time of 1:16.43. Gerad Mead of Hudson, Wisconsin, followed closely behind, finishing in 1:19.03 to secure the runner-up position. Meanwhile, Sam Theisen of Minneapolis completed the race in 1:21.12, taking third place.
The women's half marathon was a closely contested affair, with Emily Hanneman of Stillwater claiming the top spot in a time of 1:33.57. Kaitsy Baker of Hudson, Wisconsin, finished just 18 seconds behind Hanneman, while Jana Myers and Ella Runyon, both local runners, finished seventh and eighth, respectively.
The 10-mile race saw Anna Reifschneider of Chisago City triumph in a time of 1:18.53, with Viet-Hanh Winchell of Stillwater finishing second in 1:49:43. In the women's 10-kilometer race, Becky Tabler of Minneapolis claimed the title in a time of 49:23, while Johanna Houseman of Hutchinson finished second in 21:42.
The 5-kilometer race was won by Nathan Shikenjanski of Stillwater in a time of 17:18, with Derek Kreier, 20, of Clayton, Wisconsin, finishing second in 17:55. Heather McCleery, 48, of St. Paul, took the women's 5-kilometer race in a time of 20:43.
As the Run Stillwater series continues, the next race on the calendar is the Pirate 1M, 5K, 10K, 15K, and Half Marathon on August 2, 2025, at Boomer Lake Park in Stillwater. Following this, the series will feature themed races such as the Ninja, Viking, Luau, and repeat Pirate events, all offering multiple distance options including a half marathon, 15K, 10K, 5K, and 1-mile race.
These themed races are a popular addition to the Run Stillwater series, providing a fun and engaging experience for runners of all ages and abilities. Whether you're a seasoned marathon runner or a beginner looking to take on your first 5K, the Run Stillwater series offers a challenge and camaraderie that keeps runners coming back for more.
In the upcoming Run Stillwater series, participants can expect themed races such as the Ninja, Viking, Luau, and repeat Pirate events, each offering various distance options including a half marathon, 15K, 10K, 5K, and 1-mile race. The Run Stillwater series caters to runners of all ages and abilities, providing a fun and engaging experience that keeps runners coming back for more.
