Runners turn out for Roses for Hoses 5k

April 17, 2025

By Michelle Rodriguez

The Belton Journal

Local competitive runners raced this past Saturday at the Roses for Hoses 5k in Morgan's Point Resort hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary. The race, part of the Centex Race Series, was held at Oakmont Park.

"This event is a fundraiser that goes back to our fire department. It used to be cops versus robbers," said Nayda Santana, city admin/procurement director for MPR. "Thank you to everyone that participated and sponsored - the bib raffle had a tremendous number of sponsors."

There were 50 bib raffle prizes, such as a 4-pack matte black LED solar lights, Serenity TKD one membership, an Ozark Trail 10x25 compact binoculars, and a kitchen conversion cutting board, to name a few.

Anthony Banda won second place overall and first place in his age group with a chip time of 19:44.38.

"I like to run. It's very freeing, especially when you run outdoors and see the community. It's really nice that the community holds events like this for running. It's very important for fitness, health, and overall growth in the community," said Banda, who is a student at Shoemaker High School in Killeen. "I do cross country and track. I am doing the CenTex race series, and I just ran the Austin State capital 10k. I try to do as many 5ks as I can with my mom."

Pro Fit Racing kept the official timing and results. All finishers received a rose, yellow or red, courtesy of H-E-B. Runners were provided water and Gatorade, as well as a variety of fruit, fruit snacks, ice pops, and granola bars.

Aaron Flowers placed third in his age group with a chip time of 25:24.19.

"I've been running my whole life. So far, I've done 6 runs this year. I did a half marathon last week at Pepper Creek Trail in Temple, and I run all around West Temple," said Flowers, who started running again last January. "I decided to do the CenTex Race Series, and I think my time was a half minute faster."

The vendors at the event were John Corsi State Farm, Sam's Club, and Junction Fitness. Runners were invited to dress up and participate in a costume contest.

MPR Ladies Auxiliary president Karen Stager said this is the event's second year as a CenTex Race Series run.

"We are growing demand for more vendors and support," she said.

"We walked for fun and enjoyed the scenery," said participants Donna McPherson and Kristi Mart.

The overall winner was Brian Knight with a chip time of 18:48.74. The first-place female was Nicole Chitwood with a chip time of 22:54.63.

"It was a good route. I like running on hills. We went back and forth through the neighborhood and passed by the marina. It was well marked," said Knight.

Awards were given to the top overall male and female finishers and the top female finishers and the top three male/female finishers in each age group. The age groups were 11 and under, 12-15, 16-19, 2024, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, and 70 plus.