Photo by Ruby Cline-Eaton
VERSAILLES — On what was as close to a perfect morning as August can produce, I thoroughly enjoyed myself at the Triple Crown Trot 5K (3.1 miles) in Versailles at Ashford Farm.
Not only were there 474 runners/walkers participating in the event that benefits Woodford County Humane Society, but it gave you a rare look at the thoroughbreds on the farm who seemed to either enjoy the runners/walkers or else were wondering why anyone would be out so early doing what we did.
Ashford Stud is the home of Triple Crown champions American Pharoah and Justify. The 3.1-mile course is all inside taking you from the historic office and stallion barn to the foaling barn and beyond.
A lot of participants stopped to take photos — and selfies — with the horses along the way.
The overall winner was Wesley Preston, age 24, of Wilmore in 17 minutes, 45 seconds — a 5:43 minute per mile pace. Brad Blackwell, 43, of Louisville was second in 20:08 — a 6:29 pace.
Azure Christensen, 46, of Lexington was third overall and the first female finisher in 20:33, a 6:37 pace. She just beat 27-year-oldl Hope Walden of Lexington who finished in 20:40 to take fourth overall. Women also took fifth and sixth overall with Avery Gill, 13, of Lexington fifth in 20:48 and Antoinette Inglis, 24, of Midway sixth in 21:04 and Riley Baumbick, 26, of Lexington.
The top 3 male and female finishers in each age group received medals, and top three male and female finishers overall got one-of-a-kind wire thoroughbred sculptures crafted by local artist Rachel Bissonette just for the Triple Crown Trot.
Myself, I finished 3.1 miles on the scenic course in 40 minutes, 56 seconds — a pace of 13:11 minutes per mile which is about as it gets for me anymore. I managed to finish 183rd out of 434 participants and was third in the 70 to 79 age division.
This has become one of my favorite events. RaceRise and director Bob Baney does a great job with organizing the event and you have runners/walkers of all ages and fitness that just enjoy being out.
Ruby Cline-Eaton has some great photos you can enjoy here.
Triple Crown 5K
Photos by Ruby Cline-Eaton
2 Responses
Larry , I do lot of 5k walking and it's does wonders to your body. It eases your mind as well.
Yes and yes. Nothing relaxes me more than my "jogs/walks." I think it has actually become more enjoyable the slower I get if that makes sense