Runners leave the starting line Saturday morning at Community Chapel as they begin the third annual Hero Half Marathon. Jason Hawthorne of Albany was the half marathon winner for the third year in a row, running 1:25.48. Ricky Yunke, 15, of Sweet Home was the first local finisher – third in 1:35.48. The women’s half marathon winner was Erika Stevenson of Albany, in 1:43.47. Luke Rauch of Lebanon was first in the 8K, in 31:07, with Robbie Yunke of Sweet Home, 13, second in 32:16. Nancey Micheau, whose city of residence wasn’t available, was the women’s winner in 33.45, with Shawna Yunke, Ricky and Robby’s mother, second in 34.16 and Elaine Rauch, Luke’s wife, third in 35.34. A total of 266 participants registered for the half marathon (13.1 miles), 8K (5 miles) and 1.3 mile “mini marathon” run/walk.
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