Rachael Murty, right, the 2025 Winding Stairs Festival 5K winner, pictured with North Tama Activities Director Andrew Knaack, left, on Saturday, Aug. 9, on Dennis Field in Traer. PHOTO COURTESY OF PATTY CALDERWOOD

TRAER – More than 50 people took to the streets as part of the annual Winding Stairs Festival Run/Walk 5K this year, setting off from Dennis Field early in the morning on Saturday, Aug. 9. With a portion of the race’s proceeds earmarked for the new Our North Tama Girls Scholarship, it seemed kismet that North Tama rising junior Rachael Murty crossed the finish line in first in a smoking 22 minutes, 59 seconds.

Established last August, the scholarship was created to honor the achievements of North Tama’s female student-athletes. Briar Blake (’25) was the inaugural scholarship recipient. As in years past, the 5K event also raised funds for North Tama athletic activities in general.

The 53 participants Saturday morning were already winners even before the race’s start as their efforts more than doubled the number of runners/walkers in 2024. In addition to Murty, Bernie Schwartze also took gold by finishing first in the walking race with a time of 35 minutes, 40 seconds. Schwartze, who hails from Colorado, is married to North Tama 1985 alumna Suzanne (née Weave) Schwartze.

Race sponsors this year included Aurora Agronomy, Monat Built, North Tama Vet Clinic, AWE Auto Service, NuCara Pharmacy (Traer), Farmers Savings Bank & Trust, Breakenridge Memorials, Appraisal & Real Estate Services, Clutier ZCBJ Lodge #104, Farmers Coop Telephone Company, Hometown Foods-Traer, Iowa Auto Rebuilders, Joe Morris-State Farm Insurance, and Manatt’s.

The top male/female winners in their age brackets are listed below by their placement in the race overall. Congratulations to all who participated!

The male/female winners in their respective age brackets. PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID CALDERWOOD/FACEBOOK

1. Rachael Murty; 15-19; 22:59

2. Colin Kern; 30-39; 23:23

3. Courtney Kern; 20-29; 24:01

4. Owen Kasper; 14 and under; 24:52

5. Ian Wheeldon; 30-39; 24:56

6. Dan Balvin; 60-69; 25:03

7. Isla Breakenridge; 15-19; 25:10

10. Brian Kasper; 40-49; 26:06

12. Madison Schirm; 14 & under; 28:21

13. Kimberly Schirm; 30-39; 28:22

24. Kate Stuart; 70 & over; 33:26

26. Bernie Schwartze; 60-69 (walking); 35:40

28. Joel Robinson; 50-59; 36:55

33. James Andrews; 80 & over (walking); 40:50

38. Jennifer Beenken; 40-49; 43:57

42. Tammy Griener; 50-59; 46:47

53. Maurice McWhirte; 70 & over (walking); 52:37

For the full race results, visit https://tinyurl.com/ffscczn4.