The Welcome Lutheran Church Sports Ministry celebrated another successful year of its annual “Run Like a Ninja” 5K Run/Walk, held on February 17 at Industry City Park. The event, now in its second year, attracted 62 participants ranging in age from 5 to 76, bringing together runners and walkers of all skill levels for a day of fitness and community engagement.
Renshi Deborah Douglas officiated the start of the race, which led participants to run the 3.1 miles through the scenic countryside surrounding Industry. Awards were presented to the top three finishers in each category, as well as to the overall male and female winners.
Top Finishers:
• Top Male Finisher: Gabe Palacios (Schreiner University, Portland, TX)
• Top Female Finisher: Andie Eckermann (Schreiner University, New Ulm, TX)
• Top Finisher 7 & Under: Copper Stone (San Antonio, TX)
• Top Male 8-14: Case Eckermann (New Ulm, TX)
• Top Female 8-14: McKenna Masson (New Ulm, TX)
• Top Male 15-19: Gabe Palacios (Schreiner University, Portland, TX)
• Top Female 15-19: Andie Eckermann (Schreiner University, New Ulm, TX)
• Top Female 20-34: Rachel Kozel (New Ulm, TX)
• Top Male 35-49: Luis Zavala (Columbus, TX)
• Top Female 35-49: Michelle Stone (San Antonio, TX)
• Top Male 50-64: Jason Bontrager (Brenham, TX)
• Top Female 50-64: Tracey Dorenkamp (Sealy, TX)
• Top Male 65+: Ken Wiley (Alleyton, TX)
• Top Female 65+: Emily Rankin (Bleiblerville, TX)
• Virtual Race Winner: Phyllis Omo (Friendswood, TX)
The Welcome Lutheran Church Sports Ministry aims to nurture “athletes of action” by integrating martial arts, fitness, and sports-related activities with spiritual development to grow spiritual minded leaders within the church and community at large. Events like the “Run Like a Ninja” 5K, a fundraiser that helps sustain this mission by funding free programs, including weekly classes in Shorinkan Karate, Okinawan weapons training, and Katamedo Jujitsu. These offerings ensure that financial constraints do not prevent individuals from pursuing health, personal growth, and spiritual enrichment.
The event was made possible through the generosity of numerous sponsors, including the City of Industry, Industry State Bank, Industry Telephone Company/Industry iNet, 4F Land and Cattle Company, and Fayco of Fayette County. The race directors, Chad and Alicia Eckermann, as well as event timer Michelle Potts, played key roles in ensuring a smooth race day experience.
Special thanks also go to Welcome Lutheran Church of Brenham and Industry Methodist Church for their continued support in providing training/testing and fundraising space.
For those interested in joining the program or scheduling a free self-defense class for a business or organization, contact [email protected] or text 417-288-8319.
Did you know?
Running and walking have long been among the most accessible ways to stay active without a gym membership, and that trend continues today. Since 2020, 59.1% of active adults report that outdoor exercise, such as running or walking, remains one of their top fitness activities, according to RunRepeat’s Fitness Trends report.
However, when compared to other countries, the U.S. lags behind in overall race participation:
• Ireland leads the world, with about 0.5% of its population (approximately 24,500 people) running races.
• The Netherlands follows, with 0.2% (about 34,600 people).
• The United Kingdom also sees 0.2% participation (roughly 133,300 people).
• In the United States, only 0.1% of the population (about 328,200 people) takes part in races.
That said, the U.S., along with the Philippines and South Africa, boasts the highest proportion of 5K runners compared to other race distances, according to the International Institute for Running Medicine (IIRM).
