All photos by Derek Griffiths
Copyright 2004 / Colorado Runner

Photo prints from this event for sale! Click above logo to see all available photos.

Every year, the American Lung Association of Colorado tries to raise awareness of Lung Disease by holding the Lung Association Challenge Run for you Life 5K. This event is held during the Glory Days festival at the Lowery Town Center in Denver. Along with the 5K run, there is a 5K walk and a 1K walk. This year, about 700 people participated in all three events.

99 people finished the 5K run that weaved through the old Lowery Air Force Base and its surroundings. The runners passed the Wings over the Rockies museum and Lowery Town Center before going into the new Lowery housing development and its million dollar homes. After two miles, the runners doubled back onto the first part of the course and finished by the start line.

There performance of the day was turned in by Lone Tree's Elsabeth Goshu who blazed the course in 18:59 to finish second overall. Her next closest competitor, Heidi Gabalski, was over a minute behind (20:10). The third female was Denver's Patricia Wassik (21:03).

On the men's side, Daniel Gabalski finished in 18:36 to take home top honors. Matt Tartar and Brian Lindsley of Denver fought it out for the second spot, with Matt pulling away in the final mile (19:20 to 19:57).

After the event, participants got to peruse some of the sponsor's tents and enjoy free food and drink. The Colorado Asthma and Allergy Centers was on hand to provide free lung and breathing tests. Naked Juice was also there, allowing runners and walkers to try the different flavors of organic drinks that they offer.

Total donations for the event reached $39,670 by race time. Andrea Henry was the highest fundraiser, with pledges exceeding $1000.

1. Elsabeth Goshu of Lone Tree is the first female and second overall in 18:59


2. Heidi Gabalski was the second female in 20:10


3. Denver's Patricia Wassik was the third female in 21:03


4. Daniel Gabalski wins the American Lung Association Challenge 5K in 18:38


5. Matt Tartar of Denver is the second male in 19:20


6. Denver's Brian Lindsley is third in 19:57


7. Running through the shade just after the mile mark


8. Denver's Shannon Salmon is all smiles at the finish


9. A pack of runners nears the finish


10. Volunteers stock the food and drink tables at the finish line

Full results can be found here.