GREAT DAY FOR A RUN

Dylan Villescas won the half-marathon to highlight the 33rd Run for the Zoo

Dylan Villescas, a 26-year-old from Las Cruces, won the halfmarathon in 1 hour, 10 minutes, 50 seconds, to highlight the action at the 33rd annual Run for the Zoo on Sunday.

The weather cooperated for the participants, who packed the streets near ABQ BioPark Zoo in the morning.

Five races took place, including the half-marathon, 10K timed run, 5K timed run, 5K fitness run/walk and mile fun run/walk.

All the money raised goes to the zoo, aquarium, Botanic Garden and Tingley Beach.

During this year’s race, the participants received an extra treat, as they were able to see the newest member of the zoo, a baby elephant. Rozie, a 25-yearold Asian elephant gave birth to a 3-foot tall, 200-pound baby boy. Along the course, the runners are led to the back of the zoo, where the elephants are kept.

Amber Zimmerman, a 25-yearold Albuquerquean won the halfmarathon women’s division in 1:20.58.

Colin Olson, 42, of Albuquerque, won the 10K timed men’s division race in 36:06.

Anna Luna, 26, of Albuquerque, won the 10K timed women’s division race in 38:38.

Sean Dwyer, 17, of Albuquerque, won the 5K timed men’s division race in 16:06.

Kay Ulrich, 26, of Los Alamos, won the 5K timed women’s division race in 20:12.

Winners received special medals, which featured artwork of penguins on them. Penguins are due in the zoo in November, said Taylor Pellegrini, the event director.

PHOTOS BY MARLA BROSE/JOURNAL Runners make their way to the finish line near a mural at the ABQ BioPark Zoo during the 33rd annual Run for the Zoo on Sunday. The event featured competitors and others who were there to have a good time and raise money for the zoo.

Dylan Villescas, a 26-year-old from Las Cruces, wins the half-marathon during the 33rd annual Run for the Zoo on Sunday. He won in 1 hour, 10 minutes, 50 seconds.