A Resounding Success
Captain Fleming’s 3rd Annual 5K Gator Fun Run was held Saturday, April 25, with 162 runners gathering at the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium for as part of Omaha’s premier Firefighter & Alligator themed run.
Runners stepped off at 7:30 a.m. under clear skies and a brisk 48-degree temperature—ideal conditions and a stark contrast to severe weather earlier in the week and rain that followed just hours after the race concluded.
Following brief opening remarks, Training Captain Dani Landholm performed the national anthem before signaling the start of the race. As participants set out on the course, a lone bagpiper played “Scotland the Brave” and “The Heights of Cassino.”
The ‘untimed’ 5K course featured two laps around the zoo, including stretches through the South African Grasslands and the steady incline from the carousel to the Desert Dome. While the event emphasized participation over competition, Scott Friend crossed the finish line first with an unofficial time of 18:14. Friend, whose brother Ryan serves with the Omaha Fire Department, noted he was signed up for the race by his brother before being informed of his participation.
One of the day’s standout moments came from 10-year-old participant Barrett Landholm, who had set a personal goal of finishing in the top five after placing 16th the previous year. He ultimately crossed the line seventh overall. What a great effort towards his goal!
Proceeds from the event will benefit Local 385’s Cancer Benevolent Fund, with approximately half of all funds raised to be donated following final accounting.
Gator Fun Run III was a success and planning is already underway for next year’s event. We want to give special recognition to Katie Hurd, Race Organizer; Dustin Talacko, Sponsorship Manager; Willy Kurz, Product Manager; and Dru Taylor, Race Artist, for their contributions to the event’s continued growth.
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