Not even a last-minute route detour could slow down the momentum of the annual Tator Days 5K and Kids 1 Mile run on Saturday, July 18. In fact, a change of scenery might have been exactly what the long-standing community tradition needed to reach new heights.
Due to ongoing road construction near the local elementary school—the race’s traditional starting line—organizers made the pivot to host this year’s event at Lake Eagle Park. It was a gamble that paid off handsomely.
Event coordinator Alicia Quaday was thrilled to see that the change of venue didn’t hurt participation. If anything, it sparked a significant boom. Thanks to a generous sponsorship from CAR Tire & Auto Center, organizers were able to reduce registration costs this year, making the race more accessible than ever. While 119 runners pre-registered for the event, a massive wave of same-day registrants pushed the final attendance numbers far higher, packing the start line with eager competitors and community members.
At exactly 8:00 a.m., the deep, echoing blast of a traditional airhorn signaled the start of the 5K. Despite the somewhat narrow pathways of the new course, the runners took off with excellent spacing and determination. The diverse field of participants featured everything from competitive local athletes and close friends racing for bragging rights to determined parents pushing loaded strollers and residents simply looking to test their personal limits.
The scenic new route took runners on a sweeping tour of Eagle Lake, winding through the lush scenery of Lake Eagle Park, along local city streets, and down the town’s fantastic trail systems.
At the front of the pack, local runner Eli set a blistering pace, taking first place with an impressive time of 17 minutes flat after a powerful sprint in the final stretch. Soon after, a steady stream of runners began pouring across the finish line, many digging deep to burn whatever energy they had left.
In one of the morning’s most memorable moments, a mother and son suddenly locked eyes and joint-sprinted to the finish line, crossing together in a fit of exhausted laughter. The roaring crowd lining the final stretch provided a crucial second wind to the tired runners as they completed their journey.
Among those crossing the finish line was The Journal’s own Ricardo Moreno Jr. Running under bib number 2066, Moreno Jr. went into the race with quiet confidence and successfully completed the 3.1-mile course in just over 47 minutes. While he claimed third-to-last place, his successful finish embodied the gritty, community-first spirit of the day.
Following the main event, the Kids 1 Mile race proved to be just as competitive. Roughly 50 tiny speedsters tore through their course, cheered on by a wall of proud, shouting parents who easily secured the title of loudest spectators of the morning.
As the runners cooled down, they headed over to the Eagle Lake Fire Hall, where firefighters were busy serving up a hot pancake breakfast to hungry participants and supporters.
With the massive success of Saturday’s turnout and the glowing feedback on the scenic trails, local chatter has already begun wondering if the temporary detour at Lake Eagle Park might just become the event’s permanent home for years to come.
