The Journal

Issue date: 10/12/06 Section: LifeStyle

Media Credit: Lanz Christian Banes Sparkle Bergin, part-time model for Webster's art department, rips her shirt off as she nears the finish line of the 5K Fun Run/Walk Oct. 8. Bergin was the first female runner to cross the finish line.

Students and alumni grouped at the corner of Bompart and Lockwood Avenues for the Homecoming 5K Fun Run/Walk.

This year, 70 participants showed up for the 8:30 a.m. run Oct. 8 - 15 more runners than last year. Medals were given to three people from each age group and the first-place female and male. The age groups ranged from 19 to 70 years old.

Webster Groves resident Dennis Fricks came in first place with a time of 16 minutes and 14 seconds. This was his first year participating in the race.

"I like that there's a race in the neighborhood," Fricks said. "I am doing a 26.2 mile Chicago marathon in two weeks, so this was a warm-up."

James Akin, of Ballwin, came in second place with a time of 18 minutes and 44 seconds.

Andrew Bryson, a junior political science major, came in third place with a time of 19 minutes and 38 seconds. This was his first year competing in the race.

Sparkle Bergin was the overall first place female runner. Bergin is a part-time model for Webster's art department.

Ron Eisenberg, of Chesterfield, also was a contestant in the race and crossed the finish line pushing his 9-month-old son Ajay in a running stroller. Eisenberg finished fifth with a time of 20 minutes and 20 seconds. He saw the event on a track Web site. This is Eisenberg's third race with his son. Eisenberg is a marathon training coordinator for the St. Louis Track Club.

The first 50 contestants who signed up for the race received a free T-shirt. There also was free lip balm, water and a raffle drawing following the race.

The event was planned by Billy Ratz, alumni programs coordinator. Funding came from the Alumni Programs budget.

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