From left to right: Grace Lidgett, Denise Schmid, and Jonathan Meyer, all pose with their freshly won trophies. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

TRAER – On the morning of Saturday, Aug. 10, this year’s Winding Stairs festivities started with an anticipated yearly event, braved by only the boldest. The annual Winding Stairs Festival 5K provides a hilly course to runners and walkers alike all well helping raise money to support North Tama activities.

Race packets were available to racers on Friday night and Saturday before the race started. Paired with your typical race items was a goody bag provided by Carmen Erhardt in promotion of her new venture, The Body Shop Gym and Spa.

Kicking off a few minutes after 8 a.m., the race garnered about 25 participants. Some were regulars in the local 5k scene, like Ro Rosario who brought his infectious personality to the streets of Traer. Other runners were visiting from Colorado and Michigan for various family obligations and decided to jump into the race.

North Tama’s football team assisted in directing runners and Saturday morning traffic during the race.

In the end, Jonathan Meyer and Grace Lidgett won the individual male and female trophies. Lidgett is a 2023 North Tama graduate who currently attends Grace College and runs on her own. Meyer is a South Tama graduate who competes at Wartburg College.

Denise Schmid, who grew up in Traer, won the walking race and took home the prestigious trophy.

At the end of the event North Tama’s A.D. and head football coach, Andrew Knaack thanked the participants for coming out and supporting North Tama athletics. It was a great kick off to a great day at the Winding Stair Festival.