Los Angeles resident Juan Paredes returned to Redondo Beach Saturday looking for his second victory in three years at the 15th annual Village Runner St. Patrick’ 5K.
The 28-year-old former UC Santa Barbara distance standout, who did not compete in the race last year, improved his time by three seconds finishing the course with a time of 15 minutes, 20 seconds to win the event.
Last year’s winner Stewart Harwell, 34, of Redondo Beach posted a time of 16:04 and was followed by Santa Monica 33-year-old Adam Henry (16:40).
Canoga Park 37-year-old Julia Budniak was the top female with a time of 17:36. She was followed by Cambria Wu, 39, of Torrance (18:52) and Redondo Beach 52-year-old Kirsten Leetch (19:06).
Males winning their age group included: Rito Jasso (Perris, 1-8, 22:11), Jack Humphrey (Redondo Beach, 9-12, 20:22), Matt Craig (Torrance, 13-17, 19:46), Kenny Valdez (Carson, 18-24, 17:23), Juan Paredes (25-29), Stewart Harwell (30-34), Gareth Murran (Redondo Beach, 35-39, 16:46), Aaron Munger (Palos Verdes, 40-44, 17:18), Elidjus Jakstat (Redondo Beach, 45-49, 21:22), Joe Keichler (Redondo Beach, 50-54, 20:00), Martin Vega (Montebello, 55-59, 19:46), Tom Duran (Covina, 60-64, 20:31), Ed Avol (Manhattan Beach, 65-69, 21:27), Jack McDowell (Rancho Palos Verdes, 70-74, 26:04), Willie Blaylock (Inglewood, 75-79, 45:15) and Nathan Winer (Palos Verdes Estates, 80-89, 32:03).
Females age division winners included: Lily Paquin (Manhattan Beach, 1-8, 24:28), Caitlin Haley (Manhattan Beach, 9-12, 22:06), Roya Khaleeli (Rancho Palos Verdes, 13-17, 21:38), Muriel Zino (Redondo Beach, 18-24, 22:59), Jessica Dupuy (Los Angeles, 25-29, 21:12), Dinora Moran (Los Angeles, 30-34, 19:50), Julia Budniak (35-39), Irene Prokos (Redondo Beach, 40-44, 21:39), Renee Ortiz (45-49, 21:57), Kirsten Leetch (50-54), Carol Smith (55-59, 25:25), Julie McKinney (Palos Verdes Estates, 60-64, 25:26), Joan Gaynor (Torrance, 65-69, 33:00), Athina McLendon (Fayetteville, AR, 70-74, 36:39), Madeleine Tarnay (Torrance, 75-79, 36:12) and Mimi Hughey (Manhattan Beach, 80-89, 54:30).
In the Kid’s ¼ mile races, Keaton Newell won the 8-9 year-old division with a time of 1:33 while Aleksei Yin captured the 6-7 year-old category with a mark of 1:30.
In the dash for 4-5 year-olds, Damon Caldevilla captured the win with a time of 20 seconds.
Coming on Saturday, May 19 will be the 3re annual Torrance Armed Forces Day 5K. Entry fees are $35 before May 11 (add $5 after). Visit villagerunner.com.
