National Balloon Classic 5k challenge a success

INDIANOLA, Iowa - In its second year after a short hiatus, the National Balloon Classic 5K Challenge saw 130 participants take part in the event on Friday, July 31. Men and women age 13-60 competed in the road race, which more than doubled its runners from the previous year.

Nineteen-year old Barry Hill recorded the fastest time, finishing the course in 16:54. Quentin Ring of the 14-year old age group came in second with a 17:15 and 30-year old Jon Rathje took third in 17:24. Forty-year old Suzy Lowe took the top spot for the women, crossing the finish line at 21:58. A pair of adolescents fought out a close battle for second on the women's side, with 14-year old Kasey Wiedmaier (23:18) edging out 13-year old Kate Bishop (23:19).