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Despite chilling temps and slick conditions, over 125 people participated in the 2nd Annual Winter Fest Freeze Your Bunz 5K on Saturday, February 14th. The 5K run and walk took place at the Sunrise Prairie Trail in North Branch, bringing the community together for a great cause: raising support for the North Branch Family Pathways food pantry. The "summer" music and the terrific tropical costumes many runners sported made for a festive and excited atmosphere. After all the food was weighed and the runners crossed the finish line, 283 lbs. of food was donated, with 100 lbs. donated in a match by North Branch Nelson's Market. The proceeds will be tallied this week and a check will be given to Family Pathways before the month is over.

Taking first place for the men was Daniel Scheff of Harris, with a time of 18:57. Josh Wurdemann, also of Harris, finished second for the men at 19:13. Nick Ellenson, all the way from Eden Prairie, came in third at 19:19. For the women, Briana Berthiaume of Harris, took top honors with a time of 23:12. Andrea Wistercill, hailing from Las Vegas, NV came in second at 24:41. Hannah Knickerbocker of Stanchfield took third place at 25:13. A great group of kids turned out to run as well, with Brooke Thunstrom finishing first in the under 12 category at 28:29. Colton Nelson from Sandstone came in second with a time of 32:56. Courtney Young finished third with a time of 34:08. The first walker to cross the finish line was Jackie Grabinski of Rush City. Full results are available at www.raceberryjam.com and more photos can be seen at www.photobucket.com/FreezeYourBunzRun

Event sponsors Wurdemann Family Chiropractic and North Branch Snap Fitness would like to thank each participant for braving the cold, having a great time, and making a difference in our community. "It continues to amaze me that people will run in the cold, but clearly the cause has everything to do with the success of this event," race manager Johanna Puelston said. The addition of professional timing by Raceberry Jam, and the on-line registration made things go really smoothly at the event. Next year organizers hope to streamline the registration and timing process to make the Freeze Your Bunz 5K even more "freeze-a-licious".

A big thank you to the many local businesses that donated goods or services to make the race top notch: MN Advertising and Design, Bella Cafe', Dan the DJ, Nelson's Market, Spectacular Events Catering, Chisago County Press, ECM Post-Review, North Branch Cinema, North Branch Outlets, Olson Power and Equipment, and James Long Engraving. These fabulous businesses contributed coupons and fun items in the goody bags: Cool Beanz Coffee and Tan, Domino's Pizza, DanceSport Center, Falcon Ridge Golf Course, Haven Center, Lake State Federal Credit Union, Midland Press, Mrs. Clean, Papa Murphy's, Wild Mountain and WillowBridge Center.

Please join us next year for the best winter fun you've had since licking a flagpole: the 2010 Freeze Your Bunz 5K.

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