The Edmond Sun

Local News

Discussion

February 10, 2009

Edmond Frigid 5-mile run rapidly grows in popularity

Mark Schlachtenhaufen

EDMOND — Fresh techno shirts, echo-friendly goodie bags, the use of chip timing, an Olympic hopeful and holding it on Valentine’s Day will help make this year’s Frigid 5-mile run cooler than ever, organizers said.

In recent years, the event, sponsored by the Edmond Running Club, has grown from 200 runners to this year’s expected milestone of 1,000, said Lissa Wohltmann, race director. Last year, 630 runners participated.

“If the weather holds out, I could see 1,000 runners this year,” Wohltmann said.

For the first time in Frigid 5 history, the run will use chip timing, Wohltmann said.

Chip timing systems require that athletes wear a small, lightweight chip that uniquely identifies them as they cross strategically placed, electronic mats, Wohltmann said. The chip typically is worn on a shoe lace or an ankle bracelet, depending on the system being used.

Another “first” this year is the use of reusable goodie bags, Wohltmann said. Adding an echo-friendly element fits in with an event that takes place in an outdoor setting, she said.

Molly Brill, who serves on the event oversight board, said the bags, donated by Oklahoma City’s Robyn Promotions and Printing, cost about the same as plastic. Brill said 1,000 bags were ordered to match the expected number of runners.

The reusable bags are a way for the event to give back to the community, Brill said.

Edmond resident Jerry Faulkner, manager of OK Runner in Edmond, has an impressive running résumé that includes wins at the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon and the Frigid 5-mile run.

The 27-year-old recently set a course record in winning the Route 66 Marathon in November. He said his personal best in the marathon is 2 hours, 27 minutes.

Faulkner has his sights set on the Twin Cities, the site for the 2009 Olympic trials. Faulkner’s goal is to qualify for the trials and place in the top 3, which would put him on the U.S. Olympic Team.

Running in the “cold” doesn’t bother Faulkner. In fact, he said it’s a bit easier on the body.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Faulkner said.

Wohltmann said a race goal is to involve more high school students. Clyde Stevens, a longtime member of the Edmond Running Club, said a large number of Santa Fe High School students have volunteered, and others have come from Edmond North.

Wohltmann said volunteers are an important aspect of the race.

Participants may get their sleeve-printed techno Frigid 5 shirt the day before the race. Runners can pick up reusable goodie bags from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday at Elite Feet in the Kickingbird Shopping Center, at the corner of Danforth and Bryant.

Race day activities include the 1-mile children’s run, which starts at 8:30 a.m. at Mitch Park. The Frigid 5-mile run starts at 9 a.m.

New music and a huge sound system will help create a party atmosphere. There will be plenty of awards, door prizes and great food/drinks inside the multipurpose activity center. Awards will be given for standard five-year USATF age groups, top three overall male and female winners and top three masters male and female winners.



FOR MORE details, visit edmondrunningclub.com.

Text Only
Local News
  • Edmond basketball players report thefts

    Cash and a cell phone were stolen from a high school locker room by someone who apparently did not think that they belonged to student athletes who were out competing, representing their community, an Edmond school official said.

    February 21, 2012

  • newt.jpg Gingrich believes $2 a gallon gasoline realistic

    Presidential candidate Newt Gingrich spoke to a crowd of 3,500 Monday, during a town hall meeting at the Mabee Center on the Oral Roberts University campus.
    Focusing on oil and energy, Gingrich stated that gas was $1.13 a gallon under his watch as Speaker of the House.

    February 21, 2012 1 Photo

  • Robert Hanson BALTO.jpg 12 years later, former BALTO recipient thrives

    As the weeks of fundraising come to a close, one recipient of Edmond North High School’s BALTO Week is sharing his story.

    February 20, 2012 1 Photo

  • GAVINO HERNANDEZ.jpg Police deploy stun gun during foot pursuit

    A 22-year-old Clinton man faces felony DUI and obstructing an officer complaints after a traffic stop led to a foot pursuit and multiple uses of a stun gun, police said.

    February 21, 2012 1 Photo

  • ELIOT CASIANO.jpg Police: Edmond logs city’s largest LSD bust

    Months after Edmond had its largest marijuana bust the city has made its largest ever seizure of LSD, police said.

    February 21, 2012 1 Photo

  • lankford 1.jpg Lankford: Iran’s words don’t match its actions

    A covert war is occurring in regards to Iran, which is not behaving like a peaceful nation pursuing a nuclear program, U.S. Rep. James Lankford said.

    February 21, 2012 1 Photo

  • Swine Week wine tasting event will benefit Oklahoma Project Woman

    Edmond Memorial High School will host its second annual Wine Tasting Affair at 7 p.m. Friday at Rose Creek Golf and Country Club. The event, sponsored by Energy Land Consultants and Kirkpatrick Bank, is held in conjunction with Swine Week, the school’s community service project that hopes to raise more than $350,000 for Oklahoma Project Woman this year.

    February 21, 2012

  • Multicounty Grand Jury to meet today

    Oklahoma’s multicounty grand jury reconvened Tuesday in Oklahoma City.
    Jurors will meet Tuesday through Thursday at the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office, 313 N.E. 21st St. One of the matters they are expected to hear is testimony in Edmond’s baby Jake case.

    February 21, 2012

  • 021812 miller health forum1.jpg Shannon Miller speaks at health forum

    Edmond’s Olympic gold medalist spoke at the community health forum at Memorial High School Saturday.

    February 21, 2012 4 Photos

  • Oklahoma lawmakers draw up gun bills

    Dozens of firearm-related bills filed by Oklahoma lawmakers seek to, among other things, expand the state’s open carry laws, expand where guns may be legally kept and expand the scope of the self-defense law.

    February 21, 2012