DAVENPORT, Iowa (April 11, 2015) - Nearly 700 runners and walkers set a new record for participation in the annual Bandits Race to Home 5K and Fun Run presented by Palmer Chiropractic Clinics on Saturday morning. In its third year, the unique bi-state race that ends inside Modern Woodmen Park helped raise more than $15,000 - also a new event record - for the Bandit Scholars Program.
Since the inaugural year in 2013, the event has more than doubled its annual participants - to 695 this year - and more than tripled its annual proceeds for the Bandit Scholars Program, which annually awards two Bandit Scholarships to cover the entire first year of college tuition for Quad Cities-area students. In three years, the event has raised more than $33,000 for the Bandit Scholars Program.
"We are tremendously grateful to all of the participants, sponsors, volunteers, staff and spectators who made the Bandits Race to Home 5K presented by Palmer Chiropractic Clinics the most successful yet," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "As one of the largest fundraisers for the Bandit Scholars Program, this event makes an impact in the lives of Quad Cities-area students, and it is a unique community celebration that is the perfect way to kick off another River Bandits season at Modern Woodmen Park!"
The top three overall female and male finishers received a medal and an engraved, game-used baseball bat. The top three finishers in each of the 13 age groups - (14 and under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 and above), were awarded medals, and all Fun Run participants received ribbons. All participants also received a free T-shirt and a free ticket to a 2015 River Bandits home game.
Danielle Berndt of Bettendorf, Iowa, became the event's first repeat overall winner Saturday, leading all female participants by finishing in 19:09 - setting the female record for the Bandits Race to Home 5K. She led all females with a 20:21 finish in 2014.
Jerry Lack of East Moline, Ill., was the top male finisher at 17:48. It was his second race title, as he led all males in the inaugural race in 2013 with an 18:01 finish. He was third in 2014 with an 18:02 mark.
