Record crowd of nearly 160 complete 5K to kick off Olde Tyme Christmas celebration in Medina

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 November 2023 at 10:56 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Jacob Rissew, a senior at Medina, wore the Santa suit and got off to a fast start in this morning’s Home for the Holidays 5K.

There were 158 participants in the race, the most in its 11 years.

Rissew wore the Santa suit as part of a community service requirement for a high school class. He said it ended up being a fun time.

Debbie Tompkins welcomes the runners to the race. They started in the canal basin and headed down Route 31 to State Street Park. They went to Bates Road and got on the towpath before turning at the lift bridge and heading back to the finish line in front of the American Legion Post on North Main Street.

Tompkins organizes the race with Teresa Wilkins. They thought the bigger crowd of runners and walkers was due to the beneficiary of the race: PAWS Animal Shelter.

Martha Snyder, 24, of Medina competes in the 5K with her dog, Koda. They are in front of a mural created last year by Brandi Zavitz under the Glenwood Avenue canal bridge.

Aeddon Cayea, 24, of Medina was the first male finisher in a time of 18:59, while Taylor Heschke, 20, of Appleton was the first female to cross the finish line in a time of 19:38.

Madeline Mark, 14, of Medina and her father Adam Mark head to the finish line. Madeline was among the fastest females with a time of 23:42.

This group of friends dressed up in holiday characters for the 5K. From left include Robin Wehling of Medina in the Grinch costume, Beverly Woodard as an elf and Leslie Mischel with a Grinch sweater.