Runners, walkers – and waddlers – hit the course

Under clear skies, 120 runners, walkers – and a few waddlers – took on the Walterville Waddle Saturday, with every participant crossing the finish line at the Walterville Grange.

The annual 5K is anything but a typical road race. The 3.1-mile course gives participants a sampling of the Walterville countryside, beginning across a harvested farm field before winding along county roads through residential areas.

From there, participants pass additional farm fields where late-summer produce is still maturing on the vine before finishing along the gravel EWEB canal road on their way back to the starting point.

All 120 participants who started the race completed the course.

Maddy Hubbs was the overall women’s winner, while Zack Rogers took the overall men’s title. Winners in the other age divisions are listed on the Walterville Waddle Facebook page.

Organizers said the weather cooperated for what turned out to be an ideal day for the family-friendly event. Children age 12 and younger participate for free, helping make the Waddle an event for runners and walkers of all ages and abilities.

The Walterville Waddle also serves a larger purpose. Proceeds from the event support the historic Walterville Grange and its community hall.

Organizers thanked the event’s sponsors for helping make the fundraiser possible, along with McKenzie Fire & Rescue personnel who volunteered their time to help keep participants safe along the course.