RUNNING USA – Gonzalez, Bonfiglio Win Inaugural Dick’s Sporting Goods Strawberry Festival 5K – By: Tom Coat – Vista, California road race attracts more than 2,200 runners in debut event

The overall race winners were Sergio Gonzalez of Oceanwide and Joey Bonfiglio of Carlsbad in the Open 5K. In the Locals 5K, a pair of Vista runners came through with wins – Fernando Blanco and 14-year-old Megan Jarvis.

Gonzales, 23, relied on his background as an All-American in track and cross country while at Cal State San Marcos to win by two seconds over Team BSK / Running Center teammate Okwaro Raura, also of Oceanside. Gonzales averaged 4:57 per mile over the 3.1-mile course to finish in 15 minutes, 24 seconds. A 4:08 miler who recently was runner-up in the 29-and-under division at the recent Carlsbad 5000, Gonzales is hoping to qualify for the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials (track and the marathon) and is currently working on starting his own coaching business with the “B-Project”.

Bonfiglio also had a close race among the Open 5K women. The 34-year-old mother of two finished in 14th overall in the race with her 18:15. That brought the former Ohio runner home 13 seconds ahead of runner-up Jessica Brothers (formerly Textoris), a recent transplant from Indiana. Both runners, like Gonzales, are looking to the upcoming Olympic Trials.

Perhaps the day's biggest story came in the form of one of the race's youngest entrants. Jarvis, just 14, fought off Ellie Keene, 19, and also from Vista, to win by two seconds in 21:54. Great running runs in the family at the Jarvis, with older sister, Colin recently capping a standout prep career at Rancho Buena Vista with a victory in the national class Arcadia Invitational.

Meanwhile, Blanco had the easiest time of all the winners in the Locals 5K. The 30-year-old from Vista ran 16:25 to finish well ahead of runner-up Marco Ramirez, 19, also of Vista, who clocked a 18:12.

For complete race results and photos, go to: www.kinaneevents.com

RUNNING USA