September 26, 2009, Valmeyer, IL

Proceeds will be donated to the Hills and Hollows RRCA race The 5th Annual Melvin J. Fisher Hills and Hollows Half Marathon, 5K Run, Walk, Wheelchair Event was a success again this year. Over 200 registered participants from Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, Ohio, Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas, Oklahoma, California. Approximately 100 volunteers were supporting the Start / Finish Areas along with the Aid Station on the Half Marathon and 5K courses. Valmeyer American Legion Post 901 presented the American Flag followed by Sandee Fisher Otten singing, God Bless America and the National Anthem. A moment of silence was observed in memory of Melvin J Fisher to whom the event is dedicated. Last minute instructions where given to the runners and walkers by Race Director, Marvin Fisher.

The weather was perfect for the start of the race. Numerous family and friends were in attendance to cheer on the runners and walkers during the race. Competitors ranged in age from 9 to 78 years young. A few younger children enjoyed the ride as they were either pushed in strollers or pulled in wagons.

Andy Kilhoffer from Millstadt, IL won the Men's 5K run with a time of 21minutes and 14 seconds. Cindy Zeman from Anna, IL won the Women's 5K run with a time 23 minutes and 4 seconds. Sean Steuve from Waterloo, IL won the 5K Wheelchair Division with a time of 33 minutes and 29 seconds. Tim Schmidt from Valmeyer Volunteer Fire Department won the 5K EMS Division with a time of 22 minutes and 44 seconds. Blair Porter from Ballwin, MO set a new record for the Men's Half Marathon course and first place with a time of 1 hour 22 minutes and 27 seconds. Carol Wright from Wildwood, MO won the Women's Half Marathon with a time of 1 hour 42 minutes and 33 seconds. Kevin Schmieder from the Grafton Police Department won the Half Marathon EMS Division with a time of 1 hour 37 minutes and 48 seconds.

In five (5)years, this event has donated more than $23,000 to BackStoppers and the Valmeyer Active Firemen’s Association. We are proud to support of BackStoppers, Inc., which supports families of fallen EMT's, Fire and Police Department members who lost their life in the line of duty. You can obtain more information on BackStoppers, Inc, at http://www.backstoppers.org. Your sponsorship will help ensure that this will continue to be an annual event. The Hills and Hollows Road Runners Club of America, is a non-profit organization that hosts this event and your donation is tax deductible per IRS Rule 501(c) 3. Direct your sponsorship questions to: Marvin Fisher, cell phone 402-598-9178 Or home 805-929-4449. To view our web site http://www.hillsandhollows.org or contact via email ... hillsandhollows@hotmail.com

I would like to thank our many sponsors and volunteers. Without their support it would be impossible to have this event each year. We have already started planning and improving next year's event scheduled for Saturday September 25, 2010 at 8:00 A.M.. Thank you in advance for stepping forward and making a difference.

Sincerely,

Marvin J. Fisher, Race Director, Melvin J. Fisher Hills and Hollows Eventfund.