Memorial Day in Lake Orion saw the beginning of what hopefully will become an annual event, that being, the 5K run/walk that honored our brave veterans.

Each registrant was asked what branch of the service they served and each was given special recognition at the conclusion of the race, and race results not only showed their name but their area of service – Army – Navy – Air Force – Marines – Coast Guard. What a great idea!

Proceeds from the race supported the Orion Veterans Memorial.

The 5K race/walk started at noon in downtown Lake Orion right after the Memorial Day Parade. The parade consisted of local veterans and of course the Lake Orion High School Marching Band.

There were 192 participants for this inaugural event, with 50 participants signing up that morning once there was no sign of rain.

Each runner was given a small flag prior to the starting gun being fired, the idea being that the flags would be planted in the ground at the finish of the race at the Veterans Memorial.

The race traversed through the downtown area and then onto Heights Road which is adjacent to the real Lake Orion lake.

There were numerous hills which challenged the runners and a noon start also brought an element of sun and heat, but ample water stations were available.

Alexander Pollack, age 24, a member of the U.S. Army, won the race with a time of 17 minutes and 34 seconds. Misty Godley, age 23, was the top woman runner with a time of 21 minutes and 13 seconds. Marvin Stevenson, age 82, a retired Marine, was the oldest veteran to finish the race with a very respectable time of 52 minutes and 49 seconds.

Yours truly finished first in the 70-99 age group with a time that reflected my not showing off or falling behind.

Each runner received a commemorative dog tag as they crossed the finish line, which captured the theme of the day – veterans.

The Veterans’ Day management is hoping for about 400 runners next year now that people have become aware of this great run.

Bill Kalmar

Lake Orion resident