135 people participate in 17th annual Ryan Johnson Running to Remember Memorial 5K

BELOIT — The 17th annual Ryan Johnson “Running to Remember Memorial 5K” was held Saturday evening in Beloit.

For the first time in the history of the event, it was held as an evening race.

A total of 135 people participated.

The men’s winner was Carlo Fabian of Steubenville, who easily won the race in a time of 17:31. The women’s overall champ was Rachel Teague of Deerfield, who crossed the finish line in 22:04.

Runners from as far away as McKeesport, Pa. to Smithville, Ohio, participated in the race.

The annual race is held in memory of the late Ryan Johnson, a West Branch runner and young man of faith who died tragically after running a leg of the 3200-meter relay during a West Branch-Canton South varsity track meet in Beloit in 2008.

Ryan Johnson’s father, Roy Johnson, is the main organizer of the memorial race, along with members of the Johnson family. The family started the race in 2009 to honor the memory of Ryan. while raising scholarship funds for deserving West Branch athletes.

This year’s race produced two $1,000 college scholarships.

Roy Johnson was pleased with turnout for the race and the many volunteers and businesses who donated 28 gift baskets which were presented to the winners in 14 age divisions in both the men’s and women’s races.

“I just want to thank everybody,” said Roy Johnson. “It amazes me every year I think things aren’t going to turn out and they do.”

Results from this year’s race can be found at the website gcxcracing.com.