A record number of runners participated in the 13th annual Wayne Chicken Run where there were 203 who ran or walked the course.
On July 12, youth from seven years old up to 73 years old took part in an annual tradition during the Wayne Chicken Run with the 5k/one mile event. The Chicken Run has been a part of Chicken Days for many years, but for now the last 13 years the Providence Medical Center, particularly the Wellness Center staff put it on.
"We started bringing in a professional timing company a few years back and that really helps keep our race timing accurate and consistent over the years," said Providence Wellness Center trainer Kimberly Havranek. "Weather is always a huge factor, with Chicken Days being a large alumni weekend here in Wayne, there are lots of families back that hear about the run Friday night and decide to participate if weather looks good."
The 20 - 29 male and female age divisions captured top honors being Jacob Cofer (male) in 15:56.5 along with Bailee Krings (female) in 18:57.8.
"We've donated the money to many different deserving places over the years, and this year will be going back to the Wellness Center to allow us to continue to take care of our community and purchase new equipment," Havranek added.
Other age division winners were Jacoby Galles (12u male - 24:12.8); Marissa Brink (12u female - 26:40.3); William Keller (13 - 19 male - 17:04.5); Allie Czapla (13 - 19 female - 19:56.7); Gonzalo Parra (30 - 39 male - 16:07.7); Lauren Prucha (30 - 39 female - 21:13.5); Brian Labenz (40 - 59 male - 18:29.3); Shelly Armstrong (40 - 59 female - 22:38.6); Kent Pulfer (60+ male - 22:53.1) and Karla Labenz (60+ female - 28:37.3).
"The run is such a fun way for our employees at Providence Medical Center to bring people together and give back to our community," Havranek mentioned. "This run brings out so many different types of runners from collegiate and area high school cross country runners, to alumni back for the weekend and their families and tons of community members just out to enjoy fun weekend. The comradery that shines through everyone is so special."
Find complete results by visiting Providence Wellness Center on Facebook.
Put in the calender Saturday, July 11 for the 2026 Wayne Chicken Run as PMC officials encourage you to sign up early to get your Chicken Run t-shirt and the more people there are, the more fun it is.
