2023 Hilltopper 5k Draws 98 Participants

Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on August 24, 2023
- 8:29 am

The start of the Kid’s 1 Mile Race Saturday, Aug. 19 along the Canyon Rim Trail. Photo by Blake Wood

James Work won the boys competition of the Kid’s 1 Mile Race in a time of 6:48. Photo by Blake Wood

The near photo-finish between sisters Clara and Gracie Nichols in a time of 8:05 in the girls competition of the Kid’s 1 Mile Race. Photo by Blake Wood

SPORTS News:

The 2nd Annual Hilltopper 5k and Kid’s 1 Mile Race drew 98 participants Saturday, Aug. 19, the proceeds of which go to benefit the Los Alamos Public Schools Foundation and Los Alamos High School (LAHS) Cross Country team.

The races started at the Smith’s parking lot and ran an out-and-back course along the Canyon Rim Trail.

The races were produced by Tom Rojas, owner of TCR Productions.

“I’m an old school 1972 LAHS graduate. I’m reconnecting with the community. My home is in Albuquerque, but we love Los Alamos!” Rojas said.

LAHS Cross Country runners Mikey Bane and Lucy Kelley organized several dozen of their teammates to check-in runners, staff aid stations, direct traffic and help with race logistics.

Grant Martin won this year’s Hilltopper 5k in a time of 17:20. LAMS Cross Country Head Coach Adrienne Hetrick won the women’s competition in a time of 22:27.

The Kid’s 1 Mile Race was won by 11-year-old James Work in a time of 6:48. The Girl’s competition was won by 10-year-old Clara Nichols, who narrowly edged out her 8-year-old sister Gracie Nichols. Both posted times of 8:05. There were 23 participants.

Full results can be found at https://www.athlinks.com/event/370909/results/Event/1046436/Results.

Several hundred photos of race participants by LAHS Cross Country Assitant Coach Blake Wood can be viewed and downloaded at https://www.flickr.com/photos/198978089@N05/albums.