Wet 'n Wild Orlando Runner Wins GKTW 5K

There could have been no better setting—and no better weather—for the fourth annual IAAPA 5k Fun Run & 1k Fun Walk to benefit Give Kids The World Village on Thursday. For the first time, under partly cloudy skies and comfortably cool temperatures, the Fun Run took place at the Village in Kissimmee, Florida, just a few miles from the Orlando Convention Center.

Pamela Landwirth, president of Give Kids the World, kicked off the event at 7:30 a.m. by thanking the runners and walkers, numbering some 100, for contributing to the cause with their $25 entry fee, and for getting up so early to participate. “This has become a great even for us that has really grown,” Landwirth said.

The overall winner was Brett Clarke of Wet 'n Wild in Orlando, who finished in 18:27. The top female finisher was Maria Spry, whose son Morgan is currently staying at Give Kids The World Village. Maria clocked in at 20:04. One notable finisher was 10-year-old Ethan Knoebel, grandson of Knoebel Amusement Resort Co-President Buddy Knoebel, who was running with his father, Trevor. Ethan finished in an impressive 23:27. Finishing in 28:15 was Becky Bray, wife of IAAPA President Charlie Bray, who is credited with having founded the event.

Some companies had an impressive number of participants, including Namco America, which brought about 20 staff members to the event, and Wet 'n Wild Orlando, which turned out about 15.