In conjunction with the Cinco de Mayo celebration held at Coastal Bend College on Saturday, the college’s first 5K run/walk was held with Cougar C.J. Rodriguez crossing the finish line ahead of the rest of the runners.

“We had 30 runners signed up for the event. It was exciting to hold the first annual CBC 5K. Next year we hope to increase the numbers and make this into something that Beeville and surrounding towns will embrace,” said CBC coach Bucky Hartman.

“We do want to thank all the runners for supporting Coastal Bend College athletics.”

Rodriguez, a former Beeville Trojan long-distance runner in track, ran the five-kilometer course on Saturday in 17:48. That’s roughly under six minutes a mile.

Leading for a good part of the race, before turning things over to Rodriguez with about a mile to go, was Moreno Middle School sixth-grader Tanner Treviño. The 12-year-old ran the 5K course in 18:26.

Moreno Middle School coach Linda Luna was the first woman to finish with a good time of 20:10. Second place in the women’s division was Karen Garza at 22:46 and Pettus Lady Eagle coach Darcy Siddon was third with a time of 24:40.

In the women’s 40 and older group, Ellie Anzaldua placed first at 31:17. Sherril Kullenburg was second in 35:42.

The men’s 36-59 age group had Sergio Vela place first with a good time of 20:48. Manuel Carranco Jr. was second in 21:35 and Marcos Rea was third at 23:47. Ernest Moreno ran a 24:57 to capture first in the over 60 men’s group.

The team competition went to the Bee Medical Associates (the BMA BABES) as all four ladies finished the course. Team members included Beta Moreno, Terri Arthur, Paula Williams and Josie Luna.