BASS LAKE – It was a perfect morning for the 27th Smokey Bear Run/Walk on the beautiful shores of Bass Lake last Saturday, with cooler temperatures and a nice cloud cover.
There were 532 registered participants, from tiny athletes as young as age 2, to the most seasoned – a 79-year-old entrant from Madera.
As racers gathered to register and affixed their bib numbers, others stopped to have their photos taken with Smokey Bear, who celebrates his 70th birthday this year.
Madison McMechan, age 4, of Ahwahnee, finished first in the 2 to 4-year-old division’s 1/8-mile race. Seth Altimus, age 7, of Oakhurst, was first across the line in the 5 to 8-year-old’s 1/4-mile race, and Turner Williams, age 10, from North Fork, took first place in the 9 to 12-year-old’s 1/2 mile run.
Smokey Bear Run/Walk Overall Winners –
10K Run – Male: Benjamin Madrigal of Madera 33:16; Female: Beth Tademy of Reedley 42:13.
2-Mile Run – Male: Artemio Villegas of Madera 12:33; Female: Nanette Beaumont of Coarsegold 15:13
2-Mile Walk – Male: James McCall of Fresno 18:33; Female: Ryan Madaus of Ahwahnee 21:35
At the conclusion of the race, John Anderson – Madera County Sheriff, long-time participant and Race Chairman for over a decade – was presented with a plaque for his years of dedication to the race.
S
teve Miller of Gold County Bottled Water won the raffle, taking home the Bear Paw Panel Quilt.
Steve was very happy with his win, as were race orgainizers, noting that Steve donates his time and water year after year to the event, along with making many other contributions to the mountain community.
For a complete list of the 2014 Smokey Bear Run/Walk results, click here. (click photos to enlarge)
