The fifth annual “Haitian Hustle” 5-K race took place under bright sunshine last Saturday morning, with runners departing from the starting line in front of the Becker Primary School promptly at 9 a.m. after standing with hands on hearts while the Haitian national anthem was played. There were 260 registered runners in the event.
The 2015 edition raised $9,500 for the support of children being cared for by the Jesus in Haiti Ministries, organizer Dawn Bengtson said, which currently includes 10 orphans and the children who attend the k-9 mission school there.
In the 5K event, Jesse Babler of Becker posted the fast time in the men’s division with an unofficial 18:02, followed by Nathan Overby, Big Lake, at 18:51 and Levi Brennan, Becker, at 20:02.
The fastest woman was Missy Trenz of Becker with a time of 21:22, followed by Julia Bengtson of Becker at 21:51 and Jerica Ploeger of Milaca at 22:50.
