Alphie Smith, Barb Christensen, and Laura Mandel after competing in the Breeze in the Trees 5K
Alphie Smith
Three women from the Quail Creek Runners Club (QCRC) participated in the 13th Annual Breeze in the Trees 5K Run/Walk on Aug. 17 at 7 a.m. The runners were Barb Christensen, Laura Mandel, and Alphie Smith. Christensen placed third in her age group. This was the third consecutive summer that Smith and Christensen had run in the race together.
The race is an out-and-back course that loops around under the canopy of the stately pecan trees. It is held at the Green Valley Pecan Company and put on by FICO (Farmers Investment Company) and the Walden family.
There were 250 entrants in the run/walk, including families and wheelchair participants. An awards ceremony followed the race.
It was a festive scene before and after the race for all who attended, either as participants or supporters. The Green Valley Firefighters served pancakes topped with pecans and pecan syrup to the finishers. The Sahuarita 4-H Club spread out in the park with their livestock of chickens, goats, and a cow for all to enjoy.
Proceeds of this event were given to FFA (Future Farmers of America) of Rio Rico High School and the Sahuarita 4-H Club.