2015 Butterfly Fun 5k Race Recap

Since the beginning of Fleet Feet Knoxville's involvement with the Butterfly Fund 5K, the Power of Running has never felt stronger.  The Butterfly Fund was established to help fight childhood cancer and raise money for cancer research.  It is one the most important events we support. We have used it as the target race for our No Boundaries Training Program since the beginning, and our WalkFit and Speed Play program for the past two. Not wanting to be left out, our Triathlon 201 and 301 Training groups also uses the 5k as part of a weekend "brick" workout in preparation for their big race at the Storm the Fort Triathlon in Kingston.

Our Walkfit and No Boundaries have trained for 10 weeks, walking, running or doing a combination of run/walk for up to 15-20 miles per week to get ready for this race. The coaches have been monitoring their progress from day one to make sure the training was not only educational but also fun. Unfortunately, not everyone was able to join us at the race but those who did felt a sense of accomplishment from completing the 3.1 mile distance.

Our Speed Play Session has a different focus as they trained hard each Tuesday morning on the track. Running intervals at VO2max is an effective way to improve 5K time and the day proved successful. James Stewart set a PR of 24:02 on the course, shaving 15 seconds off his best 5k time, and Katlyn Gagnier took 1st place in her age group with a time of 22:45. (pic of Katlyn with Shahin in the background)

Our Triathlon training program uses this event as a long training day. Tri 201 and 301 are only 1 week away from their target race of Storm the Fort Sprint or Half Iron Distance in Kingston. They start the day off with an early swim in The Cove in Farragut, followed by a 15 mile bike ride to the race site as a warm-up before testing their running legs on the 5K. Some of the triathletes opt not to race, instead running on their own in the beautiful Sequoyah Hills neighborhood and cheering on the racers. Of course, most give the race their all. Every year, several place in their respective age group or win their category all out. With a time of 27:49, MaryJane Pitts once again took home 1st place, not only in her age group but also as the top female veteran runner. Of course, the day was not over without the return bike ride back to the Cove.

Fleet Feet Knoxville is proud to be involved with this event. In the first year of the Power of Running For Good campaign, FFK has designated The Butterfly Fund as the recipient of its local fundraising with some of our vendor partners. Every weekend from the beginning of August through the end of September, a portion of a vendor's sales is set aside to be donated to be donated to the Butterfly Fund at the beginning of October. Learn more about the Power of Running and how you can help.

Race Results

Photos