The Cape Girardeau Road Runners held their annual year-end banquet and awards ceremony at Ray's Plaza Conference Center on Saturday, January 26, 2013. The evening featured guest speakers Ron Rosati and Zac Young.
The 2012 Grand Prix winners were recognized and the list of Grand Prix events for 2013 was announced. Returning this year was awards for Male and Female Runners of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year. Winners were selected by voting of membership. In addition, Missouri Running Company-Cape was presented with the CGRR Runner Friendly Business award.
 |
| Bryan and Kim Kelpe accept the CGRR Runner Friendly Business Award for Missouri Running Company-Cape. (photo by CGRR) |
To be elgible for Grand Prix awards, members must compete in at least three Grand Prix events. Points are awarded based on overall placement within the runner's respective age group. In some cases, double points were awarded for competing in the longer distance events such as a half marathon or 10K.
The 2012 female award winners were: Aspen Emmons, Ashley Schmittzehe, Megan Schmittzehe, Mandy Sutton, Chellie Jannin, Shannon Daniels, Jennifer Maroscher, Kelly Potter, Roxane Magnus, Jessica Rosati, Carol Winter, Paula Castleman, Lisa Dohogne, Renee Brown, Michal Sue Burlison, and Linda Null.
The 2012 male award winners were: William Zoughaib, Clayton Myers, Matt Miller, Andy Johnson, Mike Stone, Joe Windeknecht, Steve Schmittzehe, Gene Magnus, Ron Rosati, David Borum, Bob Deneke, Mitch Gerber, and Bill Burlison.
The 2012 male award winners were: William Zoughaib, Clayton Myers, Matt Miller, Andy Johnson, Mike Stone, Joe Windeknecht, Steve Schmittzehe, Gene Magnus, Ron Rosati, David Borum, Bob Deneke, Mitch Gerber, and Bill Burlison.
 |
| The 2012 Grand Prix Race Series Winners. (Photo by CGRR) |
MALE RUNNER OF THE YEAR: Joe Windeknecht
Joe surged into 2012 fresh off his 3:11:42 BQ at The St Jude
Marathon in Memphis. Throughout the
year, Joe was active in Grand Prix events competing, pacing others to PRs, and
scoring enough points to claim the M40-49 Age Group Championship. He notched an overall win at The Jacque
Waller 5K, and his overall win at the Moonlight Ramble propelled him to the
Overall Male Championship at the Klaus Park Trail Series. Joe finished up the year by chipping nearly
6:00 minutes off his marathon PR in Chicago (3:05:57) and running an adult 5K
PR (18:22) at the Jingle Bell Run.
FEMALE RUNNER OF THR YEAR: Shannon Daniels
You could say that Shannon found her “secret” to running success in 2012. Working towards an October marathon debut in Chicago, the PRs at other distances began to fall. And, they would continue to do so even after her 4:44:14 Windy City finish. As Shannon’s 2012 came to a close, she would have set new personal standards in the 5K, 10K, and HM. Her progress placed her 2nd in the F30-39 Grand Prix standings. In addition to racing, Shannon also directed the Heels to Heal Hayti 5K; one of the most successful 2012 local races and one that will be included in the 2013 Grand Prix Series.
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: Shannon Aldridge
With contributions early and often, behind and in front of the clock, The Force rose again to the top of the pack 2012. While serving on The Boards of both Cape Road Runners and SEMO Tri Team, Shannon was a fixture at the finish line timing numerous races. For the third consecutive year, Shannon, along with his wife Amy, directed the area’s largest foot race: Hoops for Life 3. A valuable resource to others, Shannon did not hesitate to share his expertise in race directing as he often provided complementary tips on marketing, course measurement, and general administrative issues involved in putting on events. Shannon was also one of the biggest supporters of other races as a participant. Whether running with the iconic Bib #21 or serving as team captain and lead biker for a Hoops for Life multi-sport relay team, Shannon’s ear to ear grin inspired all.
 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Female Runner of the Year: Shannon Daniels, Male Runner of the Year: Joe Windeknecht, and Volunteer to the Year: Shannon Aldridge. (Photo by CGRR)
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
