A soggy race course did not deter runners at the ninth annual Dr. Bender 5K Classic in Canal Winchester on July 22. The race began after a heavy morning rainstorm moved through the area. Eli Gerlach won the men’s division with a time of 15:34. Gerlach, who won the race for the second straight year, said he was pleased with his time since he did not get a lot of time to warm up prior to the race due to the rainstorm. The Dr. Bender 5K Classic is a fundraiser to benefit the Canal Winchester cross country and track teams.
Siblings Thomas Duckworth and Erin Duckworth of Canal Winchester ran the race together. “Thomas’ focus this season will be to stay in shape for the Navy and to encourage his freshman sister, Erin, to improve her time,” said their mother, Cristy Duckworth.
