Runners had lots of options for a Fourth of July run. Maybe too many. Three races of various lengths suited all shapes and sizes. Still, I can’t help but think that the events competed against each other for runners. Perhaps next year, with a little coordination, the events can work together, rather than compete for runners.

OK, end of mini-lecture. Now, onto results.

Jeremy Doherty of Big River Running won the Macklind Avenue Mile in 4 minutes, .9 second. Pretty close to a sub-4, though the number isn’t so magical in a road race as it is on the track. Still, job well-done. Ben Rosario was a close second in 4:01.8; Brian Lyons was third in 4:04.7. Stephanie Hood was the first woman across the line in 4:45.4. Hood finished 10th at the Boston Marathon and first at this year’s St. Patrick’s Day 5 Mile. Jess Flynn was second in 4:52.9, and Margaret Lyons was third in 4:57.4.

You can check age results here. Or, if you prefer, here are overall results. The event drew almost 500 participants.

Matthew Laye won the Firecracker 5K in O’Fallon, Mo., in 15:45. Matt Estlund second, Patrick Hanson third. Amy Marxkors of Wildwood won the women’s division in 19:55. Sarah Lowe was second in 20:11, Debbie Kerber-Rehr was third in 20:18.
Take your pick of results formats: overall or age group. The race drew 369 finishers.

Results aren’t available yet for the 4-mile Salmon Run in Forest Park. We’ll get you results in a few days, as soon as the Track Club publishes them.

The Hannibal Cannibal 5K on Saturday drew a state-wide field. Overall winner was Michael Aitken of St. Ann in 16:19. Bryan Sherwood of St. Louis was second; Hayden Legg of Mexico, Mo., was third. The women’s winner was Emma Burditt of New Londson, Mo., in 20:38. Cindy Grauel of Macon was second, Marisa Brown of Hannibal third.

Check here for complete results.