Marshall 5K Run Turns 19

Whiskey Wood Hill Challenges Competitors
 Story and photos by Joan Ludtke
 
Labor Day weekend in Newaygo featured the Marshall 5K Run on Saturday, September 3rd. This is the 19th year for this annual event held in memory of state trooper Kevin M. Marshall. The race begins at Riverfront Park, heads south along the river trail before crossing the Muskegon River on the Bridge Street Bridge. Anyone  who has ever raced or walked the 5K mentions Whiskey Wood Hill, 1/2 mile of winding, wooded, extreme elevation that promises to end, just around the next bend, or the one after that. The Hill - where goals are forgotten, heart rates are maximized, and “dig deep” has a new meaning. The turnaround point at the top is an approximate half way point on the out and back course. 
 
At the conclusion of the Kids’ 1 Mile Fun Run, the race athletes traveled across the highway to Marshall Memorial park for refreshments and the award presentation. No one was surprised to hear that Jake and Jana Shavalier, former White Cloud athletes, were the overall champions with times of 17:27 and 23:05. Jake’s pre race warmup consisted of a 43 mile bike ride from his home to Riverfront Park.  
 
Other notables acknowledged were masters’ champions, Patrick English and Kara Cardenas, and public safety leaders, Doug Carey and Autumn Boerma.  Many thanks to all of the participants, cheering fans, and especially to race director, Kevin Sweeney from the Michigan State Police. Kevin continues to organize and promote the Marshall Run, keeping alive the memory of Kevin Marshall and other fallen officers, with proceeds going to the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. 

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WC Alums Jake and Jana Shavalier took home top finisher honors

Race organizer Kevin Sweeney of MSP