More than 80 runners laced up Monday, July 8, to participate in the third annual Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE) 5K Race at the 2019 VitaFerm® JNHE in Denver, July 6-13.

The 3.2-mile race at the National Western Stock Show Complex was open to Hereford enthusiasts of all ages and local runners. First in the girls 14 and under division was Legacy Murphy, while Jacob Reed took home first place honors in the boys 14 and under division. Reed came in first place among all divisions with a time of 22 minutes and 58 seconds.

Haley Bickelhaupt won the women’s 15-30 division, while Tyler Gemza won the men’s 15-30 age group. For women 31 and over, Julie Bickelhaupt was first and in the same age group for men, Mark Sullivan took home first place.

All proceeds from the race benefitted the Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) and will help the organization carry out its mission of leadership and education. This year earnings totaled almost $6,500. The National Junior Hereford Association and the HYFA appreciate the generous support of Rob-See-Co., LLC, Elkhorn, Neb., for making the race a big success.

“We were excited to have Rob-See-Co sponsoring the 5K race for a consecutive year,” said Amy Cowan, director of youth activities and foundation for the American Hereford Association. “Their partnership in supporting our Hereford youth programs is much appreciated and the smiles on the faces of the runners made it evident our members were excited to race on the Hill.”