Fresno State Athletics
Bulldog Runners Host Annual Watermelon Run
8/21/2010 12:00:00 AM | Cross Country
Aug. 21, 2010
FRESNO, Calif. - Runners of all ages participated in either a 2-mile or 4-mile race on the Fresno State campus for the 46th annual Fresno State Watermelon Run.
Elementary aged children, college competitors, parents, and all others joined in for the fun event.
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Registration began at 6:45 a.m. in front of the North Gym and the 2-mile race began at 8 a.m. A total of 243 racers competed in the first race that consisted of one loop through the Fresno State campus.
Ryan Phillips beat out the rest of the competitors to win the overall race and the men's division, timing in at 9:45.
Taking second in the men's 2-mile was 30-year old Lutz Braun with a time of 9:51. For the women, Hagen Keedy won the division with a time of 11:23. Not far behind her was Macy Bricks, who took second in the women's division and timed in at 11:39. In third place for the women's division was Amanda Johnson, with a time of 11:50.
Participants took their marks on the corner of Barstow and N. Campus Dr. and continued on through campus, passing by the library, health center, Smittcamp Alumni House, and other Fresno State buildings and scenery.
Whereas in previous years the race has been run around the university wine-grape vines, this year presented a different look.
"Overall people like the new course though campus. It is more scenic and showcases our campus well," said head cross country coach Sean McManus. "On a Saturday morning, the campus traffic was not bad and the turnout was bigger than previous years."
The second 4-mile race took off at 8:45 a.m. and consisted of predominantly older competitors. The 4-mile was a two loop race that registered 53 runners.
Finishing with a time of 18:47, Justin Vilhauer, won the race overall and the men's division. Senior Fresno State cross country runner, Erick Garcia finished third in the men's division with a time of 19:24.
Marrijtje Molenhuis, also a Fresno State competitor placed first in the women's division with a time of 23:44. Second place in the women's division went to Saytah Barrerian with a time of 24:04.
As participants crossed the finish line they received cold water and fresh cut watermelon slices to refresh after their hard work.
"The running community and Fresno is very tight knit and this is a good chance to get together before everyone gets busy with their respective seasons," said head coach Sean McManus. "It's also a great opportunity for high school, middle school and collegiate athletes to get ready for their seasons. This is a great community event."
"We Are Your Team!" Follow the Bulldog cross country team during the season gobulldogs.com.
