SPORTS WRAP
Owatonna’s annual half marathon will hardly miss a step. The From the Heart Run ended in 2022 after raising about $750,000 over its 15 years for families dealing with cancer. Organizers were getting busy with other life happenings which the race was allowed to sunset.
But a new day rises on the event on Oct. 14 as part of the Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener in Steele County.
“In our hearts, it didn’t bring closure. We knew we needed to do something for some time in the future. Seems like now’s the time,” said Beth Svenby, an original founder.
Glenda Smith with the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism is spearheading Owatonna’s participation in the hunting opener. She was looking for an outdoor event that would appeal to non-hunters. “I was super excited when she reached out,” said Svenby.
The run has been rebranded. “We wanted to do it with some kind of added twist. The mental needs of residents both young and old have increased not only in Owatonna, but nationwide. So, we decided to add on the From the Heart and Soul so that we can cover all the health aspects of somebody,” said Svenby.
Svenby is thrilled to be included in the weekend. However, she wonders how participants will feel about an October event. “We’re going to try it in the fall. Hopefully, we get a great turnout and the weather’s wonderful, and we’ll continue to make that an annual event in the fall. We have kicked around the idea of bringing it back next May as well.”
The distances and routes will remain the same, including a kids’ run, a five-kilometer race and half marathon. “The trails are so beautiful. And with the connection all the way up to 26th Street on the north side of town, it really puts together a great half marathon course,” said Svenby. Race day will include food trucks and local breweries at Lake Kohlmier.
Fair run returns
A morning run seemed to justify a few extra cheese curds on Saturday. A race during Steele County Fair week returned with the Chatty 5K. Over 130 runners and walkers came out to “classic” OHS to honor Dave Chatelaine who retired last fall after 35 years as Owatonna’s head cross-country coach.
The STRIVE Run was held in this time slot but didn’t return after the COVID-19 pandemic. Girls’ assistant coach Tasheena Cooke saw an opportunity for the cross-country team to take over. “People look forward to this. They’re in town anyway for the fair. Luke Holt and I chatted briefly, and he said, ‘Why don’t we name it after Chatelaine,’” said Cooke.
“I really appreciate that,” stated Chatelaine. “I know it makes me feel kind of old. But looking over there on the side of the agriculture building are a couple of our former all-star coaches, Jerry Peterson and Ev Berg. At least I don’t have my plaque over there on the wall yet. So, that means I’m alive and kicking.”
He was tickled that his whole family attended. While he doesn’t run much now due to his knees, that didn’t stop him from turning in a three-generation chain during the kids’ lap with his daughter and granddaughter.
The day brought the chance to reminisce with former runners. “It’s fun to meet those guys and see what they’re doing… It’s fun to see all the energy in these young coaches now. It’s been a while since I had all that energy,” said Chatelaine with a laugh.
“He’s kind of the face of running in Owatonna. He does track. He does cross-country. He runs the section meet and Big Nine Conference meet… I think Chatelaine is right up there now with Ev Berg,” said Cooke.
The top three female runners in the Chatty 5K were Carsyn Brady, Kenzie Schroeder, and Clara Meier. The top three male finishers were Preston Meier, Jack Sorenson, and Ethan Peterson.