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27 · Wednesday, April 28, 2010 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com Mercedes 10K raises $5K for United Way By Daniel Perry SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER Sometimes, leading a healthy and active lifestyle benefits everyone. That's what 1,700 rosy-cheeked people had in mind Sunday at the second-ever Mercedes-Benz Oakville 10K event at Appleby College. The crowd braved the lousy weather to raise $5,000 for the United Way of Oakville. "I think today was terrific for the community. We almost had twice the number of people come out this year than we did in 2009," said Mark Leroy, GM of Mercedes Oakville Autohaus. "This has been a lot of fun to have been apart of it. Oakville Autohaus is always looking for new ways to engage with Oakvillians. As the event grows they are able to reach more people. "Today was also a huge success for New Balance Oakville and all the runners in this great town. The spirit in the crowd was as good as we could have hoped for. Today was a great win for everyone." Nick Jelinek, the race's creator and president of the marketing group in charge of organizing the event, was also thrilled about the large crowd that showed up. He said from the beginning that he wants the Mercedes Oakville 10K to eventually become the largest participatory event in Oakville history. "My goal is to see 5,000 people sign up one year. Imagine how much money that'll be for the United Way," he said following the race. The light rain, strong winds and gray skies didn't faze the participants, especially 27-year-old Hamilton resident Kristin Andruchow. She was the lucky random-draw winner of the oneyear lease for a brand new 2010 Mercedes-Benz B-200. "I'm actually away for work for a few weeks. I probably won't be driving it at all for about a month," joked Andruchow, who had never won anything substantial before. "This is the first 10k race that I've run. I joined this because it was for a great cause and I thought it'd be a lot of fun." The 10K run portion of the event was won by Guelph's Etiz Gilliz, who finished ahead of more than 1,200 other competitors in a time of 32:17.05. The former Canadian Olympian earned himself a $1,000 gift certificate from Blazer For Men for his efforts. The top female runner was Burlington's Lucy Njeri. She finished the course in 36.45.09. The 10K power walk was won by Ancaster's Petra Evfremidis, who completed the course in 1:03:56.08. Curtis Tom, 29, was the fastest competitor in the 10K wheelchair race, finishing the course in 28:09.07. The Mississauga resident races his wheelchair full time and even represents Canada's national team. "I've been doing this for 15 years now," he said. "I just come out to have a good time. Get some conditioning in. A couple parts of the course were challenging because of the wind, especially the uphill sections. Winning this event gives me even more bragging rights." -- See page 28 for a list of top finishers RACE START, MARION AND GALLIZ PHOTOS BY ERIC RIEHL, SPECIAL TO THE OAKVILLE BEAVER; TOM PHOTO BY DANIEL PERRY, SPECIAL TO THE OAKVILLE BEAVER RAIN DOESN'T DAMPEN SPIRITS: Sunday's rainy weather didn't deter more than 1,700 people from participating in the second annual Mercedes-Benz Oakville 10K race in support of the United Way of Oakville. Clockwise, from top left, the runners take off from the starting line in the 10K run; Maurice Marion shows his way of keeping dry before his race; Curtis Tom of Mississauga competes in the 10K wheelchair event; and Guelph's Etiz Galliz crosses the line first in the 10K run. www. com Depend on the largest High Efficiency NO INTEREST NO PAYMENT FOR 6 MONTHS OAC AIRE ONE MADNESS SALE Gas Furnace Dealer in the Golden Triangle. FURNACE & CENTRAL AIR R * ONLY $ PACKAGE INCLUDES: · 96% High Efficiency Two Stage Variable Speed Gas Furnace · 15.75 SEER High Efficiency Central Air R410A Refrigerant · 10 Years Factory Warranty *After Government, Aire One and Manufacturer Rebates. Must have existing Furnace and A/C. *Call now for details. Offer cannot be combined. OAC. Accessories excluded. Call us to see if you qualify. 3990 INSTALLED While Supplies Last 96% EFF. LIMITED TIME OFFER OVER 60,000 SATISFIED CUSTOMERS BUY NOW AND SAVE THE HST! al A/C Centr EER 5.75 S 1 905-849-4998 www.aireone.com 1-888-827-2665 A+ Rating 9 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU BETTER *See dealer for details