VIDEO: Marathon Runners Like Ike

Hundreds of runners laced up their shoes early Saturday morning and pounded the pavement in and around Abilene. They enjoyed a mild, albeit windy day as the Dickinson County community came together to host the 17th running of the Eisenhower Marathon.

The event included a men’s and women’s marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K races. There was also a family fun walk.

One familiar face brought home the gold in the marathon, while a newbie also was golden.

53-year-old Tim Mosbacher from Missoula, Montana, won the men’s title. This was his first time running the Eisenhower Marathon, and the second time he has won a marathon. He is in the process of running a marathon in all 50 states. Kansas was his 44th state.

The women’s winner was 39-year-old Katie Kramer from Broken Bow, Oklahoma. This was the fourth time she has won the event.

McPherson college student Jared Fuller won the men’s half-marathon.

Mandy Zimmerman from Junction City won the women’s half-marathon.

Other winners include:

Men’s 10K – Eddie Grier from Manhattan
Women’s 10K – Ashley Austin from Abilene

Men’s 5K – Weston Rock from Abilene
Women’s 5K – Amber Engle from Abilene

One of the more unique runners this year was Randy Woodward of Rockyford, Tennessee. He is attempting the 50 state challenge while carrying a large American Flag. Kansas is his 16th State while carrying the flag. He is a veteran, who was injured by a road side bomb and was told he would never race again.

(CLICK PHOTOS TO ENLARGE)