Rain doesn't dampen spirits at annual 'Who's the Fairest 5K'

   Runners and walkers prepare to take off at the start of the "Who's The Fairest" 5K run/walk at the Clinton County Fairgrounds.A little bit of rain wasn't enough to keep the Clinton County Fair spirit from shining Saturday morning as hundreds gathered for the 12th annual "Who's the Fairest 5K Run/Walk" at the Clinton County Fairgrounds in Carlyle.
    Around 500 people registered for the July 11 event, which officially kicked off Clinton County Fair week.
    Although rainy weather kept some participants at home, an estimated 250 to 300 runners and walkers completed the course. Those who registered but chose to stay dry were affectionately recognized as the event's "Sleeping Beauties."
    ... and they are off! Proceeds from the annual fundraiser benefit the Clinton County Fair queen pageant and scholarship program.
    Event coordinator Lori Jansen said the turnout exceeded the expectations organizers had when the race was first created.
    "When we dreamt up the Who's the Fairest 5K, we hoped it would become a fun way to bring people together while supporting scholarships for young women," Jansen said. "Seeing more than 500 people register this year was beyond anything we imagined. It's a testament to the generosity and spirit of Clinton County. We couldn't be more thankful to every runner, walker, volunteer, sponsor and supporter who made this year's event such an incredible success."
    Following the race, this year's Clinton County Fair Queen contestants and Little Miss participants were introduced to the crowd, helping launch a week of fair festivities that continue through Saturday.
    Final Lap Racing provided official race timing.
Clara Netemeyer of Aviston (left) was the overall female winner and Joshua Knobloch of Highland was the overall male winner at this year's "Who's the Fairest 5K Run/Walk."    Joshua Knobloch, 19, of Highland, was the overall male winner at 18:12. Theo Tebbe of Breese came in second place overall with a time of 20:21, and Lexington Bathon of Ashley came in third place overall with a time of 21:04.
    Clara Netemeyer, 14, of Aviston, was the overall female winner in 22:56. Lola Schlarmann of Highland came in second overall at 23:08, and Ashlyn Tebbe of Bartelso came in at third place overall with a time of 24:49.
    Oliver Gilomen of Bartelso was the winner for the male 1-9 age group at a time of 32:27, followed by Auggie Deiters of Aviston at second with a time of 33:27, and Edison Raube of Metamore in third place with a time of 38:26.
    Theo Tebbe of Breese was the winner for the male 10-13 age group with a time of 20:21. Clayton Holloway of Trenton came in second with a time of 21:12, and Peyton Jenkins of Mascoutah came in third with a time of 22:31. Joshua Knobloch of Highland won the male 14-19 division, coming in at 18:12. America's superheroes were seen at the "Who's the Fairest 5K Run/Walk."Lexington Bathon of Ashley came in second with a time of 21:04, and Dane Kohlbrecher of Aviston came in third with a time of 21:30.
    Cameron Wellen of Breese won the male 20-29 division with a time of 23:06, followed by Jacob Loepker of Carlyle at second with 27:39, and Joshua VonderHaar of Carlyle at third with a time of 27:39.
    Andrew Watts of Carlyle was the winner of the male 30-39 division with a time of 29:33. Cody Johnson of Breese came in second with a time of 30:16, and Blake Wilson of Aviston came in third with a time of 32:33.
    In the male 40-49 division, Seth Netemeyer of Aviston came in first with a time of 21:58, T.J. Tebbe of Breese came in second with a time of 23:57, and David Litteken of Trenton came in third with a time of 24:53.
    Joe Truong of Aviston was the winner for the male 50-59 division with a time of 27:44. Chad Holthaus of Carlyle came in second with a time of 29:38, and Brian Jones of Carlyle came in third with a time of 38:37.
    In the 60-plus male division, Jeffrey Weaver of Sandoval came in at first with a time of 24:58, John Kalmer of Highland came in second with a time of 29:41, and Gary Schneider of Greenville came in third with a time of 30:45.
    Little Miss Kinley Malcomb walks her dog following the rain during the "Who's the Fairest 5K Run/Walk."Caroline Henrichs of Breese was the winner for the female 1-9 age group at a time of 33:16, followed by Brooklyn Baro of Aviston at second with a time of 34:29, and Aubree Huegen of Albers at third with a time of 36:20.
    Greta Henrichs of Breese was the winner for the female 10-13 age group with a time of 27:48. Maya B. of Carlyle was second at 38:05, and Mackenzie Krausz of Mascoutah came in third with a time of 38:30.
    Clara Netemeyer of Aviston won the female 14-19 division, coming in at 22:56. Lola Schlarmann of Highland came in second with a time of 23:08, and Ashlyn Tebbe of Bartelso came in third with a time of 24:49.
    2024 Clinton County Fair Queen Shelby Peters sings the "National Anthem" prior to the 5KCarissa Litteken of Aviston won the female 20-29 division with a time of 34:48. Alixzandra Carroll of Breese came in second with a time of 36:50, and Samantha Zimmermann of Carlyle came in third with a time of 40:07.
    Bailey Wilson of Aviston was the winner for the female 30-39 division with a time of 32:34. Brittany Schwierjohn of Aviston came in second with a time of 39:01, and Marsha Baro of Aviston came in third with a time of 39:08.
    In the female 40-49 division, Maissie Jenkins of Mascoutah came in first with a time of 27:14, Erin Wessels of Belle-ville came in second with a time of 28:05, and Amy Geissler of Belleville came in third with a time of 29:03.
    Angela Sabo of Carlyle was the winner for the female 50-59 division with a time of 25:11, Stacy Holthaus of Carlyle came in second with a time of 26:48, and Jaymie Tebbe of Pocahontas was third with a time of 32:39.
    In the 60-plus female division, Pamela Campbell of Hoffman came in first with a time of 28:19, Jackie Hilmes of Breese came in second with a time of 34:09, and Louella Hollenkamp of Breese came in third with a time of 34:52.