Cool Running for Duluth Stars & Stripes 5K

While most Duluth residents were still asleep Saturday (May 28) morning, about 90 runners and fitness walkers were getting an early start on celebrating Memorial Day Weekend by lining up on Main Street for the Daniel D. Monk Memorial Stars & Stripes 5K Run/Walk. It was overcast and cool and ideal for quick running or brisk walking. It would become sunny and hot later in the day for other holiday activities. 

The 15th annual race was sponsored by the City of Duluth and the Duluth Merchants Association and organized by Pacesetters P.R. Race Service. 

John Monk, a Duluth CPA and long-time DMA treasurer, announced the start of the race. “For those who don’t go out of town for the holiday weekend, this race gives them something to do,” Monk said. The race is named for his son Daniel, a veteran who served as a paratrooper with the U.S. Army’s 173rd Airborne Brigade for four years and was honorably discharged in 2007. He had an enlarged heart, and died suddenly on Sept. 10, 2008.

Kenyrik Alexis of Grayson was the first male runner and Barbara Jarnagin of Lilburn was the first female runner to cross the finish line on the Duluth Town Green. Alexis finished with a time of 20:20. Jarnagin completed the race with a time of 20:22. Complete race results will be posted on the DMA website.

At the conclusion of the race, trophies were presented to Alexis and Jernagin as overall winners and the top three finishers in each age division. Participants also received T-shirts and goodie bags.

Race proceeds benefit local charities and support downtown development.