Scott Wartman

On a damp, dreary February 10th afternoon, about 250 people ran or walked two miles around Northern Kentucky University’s campus to raise funds for the cross country team and track club. This was the fourth-annual race dubbed the “Labor of Love” two-mile Valentine Day Run.

While the inclement weather may have affected some of the turnout, the race managed to raise $3, 750. The money will be used for travel, meal money for both cross country and track. Cross country head coach Steve Kruse said he was happy with the turn out, despite the weather.

“Any time you have a race in the winter, you have to expect a little unpredictability in the weather,” Kruse said. “We had a good turn out.”

The runners ranged from grade school children to the elderly. Running two miles can be pretty taxing, said Jim Senne of West Chester who ran the two miles in 17:26.

“I’m pretty winded,” Senne said, catching his breath. “My wife and I are running partners, and she more or less dragged me out here.”

When Cincinnati resident Pete Beckman crossed the finished line and was asked how he felt, his response was simple: “Not very good.”

The winners of the race were Nathan Hauke of Ripley, Ohio for the men with a time of 10:00 minutes flat and NKU assistant cross country coach Jill Tranter with a time of 11:11.

The race is the brainchild of assistant cross county and track coach Michael Moyer whom said he wanted to restart the annual Valentine day race held by the Clifton Track Club on Pete Rose Way which he use to take part in.

The first two years, the race was held at Thomas More, and last year was the first year it was held on campus.

The women’s winner Tranter said she thinks the race is very successful in providing funds for the the cross country and track teams.

“A lot of people do it because it is two miles and helps NKU,” she said.