LOUDONVILLE — It was a memorable morning of Halloween costumes and a record crowd at the 19th annual Mohican 5K and Fun Run.
A record number of 444 participants joined the run Saturday, including 45 people who registered the same day. The previous record was approximately 275 participants, according to race director Kara Armstrong.
The morning kicked off with a 1-mile fun run and walk at 9 a.m., followed by the 5K at 9:30 a.m. Participants embraced the holiday with costumes ranging from Taco Bell hot sauce packets to Power Rangers.
The race also welcomed groups like the Sunshine Girls Running Club, who were hard to miss in their matching pink shirts.
Runners said the cool fall weather provided perfect conditions for the 5K.
The Mohican 5K benefits the Loudonville-Mohican bike path. Proceeds help maintain and improve the recreational trail. The trail connects residents and visitors to the area’s outdoor attractions.
Runners started on Wally Road before heading south toward Route 3 and continuing along the bike path. After reaching the halfway point, participants turned around and followed the path north to the finish near the Wally Road ball fields along the Black Fork Mohican River.
James Miller, 29, returned to the race for another victory. He finished the 5K in 16 minutes and 29.24 seconds. His time was nearly a minute faster than his winning time last year.
Miller said his goal was to finish in approximately 16:20, but he had to slow his pace during the final mile.
“I felt good up to about two miles, then it started hurting. But I’m happy with a 16:29,” Miller said.
Still, the victory gives him something to build on for next year. Miller said he recently hired a coach and plans to continue working toward faster times.
“I like big, ambitious goals. So next year I’ll probably try to do it 30 seconds faster,” Miller said.
He used to live about eight miles from Loudonville. Miller said he still considers the area home and makes a point to return for the Mohican race.
The overall women’s winner was Kaitlyn Schlabach, who finished in 22:47.61.
Loudonville Mayor Cathy Lance announced each of the category winners while wearing a pirate costume. Handmade wooden medals put together by Scotty Sprang were presented to each of the winners.
Organizers thanked the community for another successful year and encouraged participants to return in 2027 for the event’s 20th annual race.
See more photos from the Mohican 5K and Fun Run:
