Garrett Ardis (left) and Ben Nagel (right) take the top spots in the 5K

Owensboro’s riverfront and downtown came alive Saturday morning as more than 1,000 runners from across the country—and even Germany—gathered for the seventh annual Wendell Foster Half Marathon & 5K. What started as a cold 30-degree morning quickly turned into one of the most energetic events of the year, as runners, families, and spectators filled the course with excitement and support.

As temperatures warmed, runners hit their stride and the competition kicked into full gear.

Austin Nolan of Evansville, Indiana, wins the Half Marathon

The Half Marathon featured a strong field, and it didn’t take long for the leaders to separate themselves. Austin Nolan set the pace early and never looked back, crossing the finish line in an impressive 1:06:53.01. Corbin Harris stayed within striking distance throughout, finishing second, while Collin Zollman secured a solid third-place finish.

The women’s race brought its own level of intensity. Taylor Aguillon led the way with a strong 1:20:00.61 finish, holding off a competitive push from Cameron Hough and Audrey Comastri, who battled closely for the remaining top spots.

The 5K delivered just as much excitement in a shorter distance. Ben Nagel, traveling in from Virginia, showcased the event’s growing reach by taking first place in 14:32.49. Garrett Ardis followed in second, with Caleb Butler—a familiar name from the region—finishing third.

On the women’s side of the 5K, Hannah Boone claimed the top spot with a time of 18:21.28. One of the biggest moments for local fans came from Makenzie Ross, who delivered a standout performance to finish second, drawing strong support from the hometown crowd. Sarah Vanderhoof-Dossett rounded out the top three.

The Duo Team Division featured a runner paired with a rider-athlete with a disability, competing together in an adaptive racing chair. In the Half Marathon Duo, Brandee Shocklee and Peyton Howard earned first place as a team, followed by Macy Jordan and Rhett Jordan, Michael Fameree and Jacob VanDenBerg, and Chip McIntyre and Erin McIntyre.

In the 5K Duo Division, Timothy Green and Josh Atherton took first place, with Jenny Jones and Blakley Owens finishing second, and Jeff VanDenBerg and Ian Rousseau placing third.

More than just competition, the Duo Division highlighted the inclusive spirit of the Wendell Foster event. For many, the loudest cheers at the finish line weren’t for the fastest times—but for the Duo teams who embodied the true purpose of the event.

But as competitive as the races were, the heart of the event went far beyond the results.

From elite runners chasing personal bests to first-time participants simply aiming to finish, the Wendell Foster Half Marathon & 5K once again brought the community together for a shared purpose. Families lined the course, volunteers kept the event running smoothly, and runners encouraged each other every step of the way.

It’s that combination—competition at the front and community throughout—that continues to make this event one of Owensboro’s most anticipated race weekends.

And in the end, whether crossing the finish line first or last, every participant played a part in a morning that showcased not just speed, but the strength and spirit of the Owensboro community.