BY MAGGIE BEAMGUARD
Insider Editor
Runners, walkers and strollers raced the sunset on Saturday, May 17 at the 4th Annual Lake Auman Classic 5K. Registered runners totaled 118, not including the children participating in the free kids race.
Many more turned out to enjoy music by Amanda Acoustic, food truck fare and the company of good friends. The family friendly event was plugged by enthusiastic race director Kevin Frost on social media for the last few months.
Frost, new to the neighborhood at the time, ran in the first 5K under the leadership of Shannon Stites and the Seven Lakes West Events Committee.
The event opened the door to many friendships Frost, an avid runner and Ironman triathlete, and his wife developed over the intervening years, including one with Stites.
When Stites learned Frost was not only a runner but previously directed his son’s high school cross country team 5K fundraiser, she invited him to join in planning the next year’s race.
Frost brought some changes to the fourth iteration of the Classic, moving it to the evening and bringing in Hatchet Brewing to serve up some suds for thirsty racers and their cheerleaders.
He sees this as the kick-off event to the family-friendly summer party season in Seven Lakes which also includes monthly summer concerts at Johnson Point and Independence Day fireworks.
“It presents a good chance for community bonding,” said Frost. “It’s a chance for people to embrace the community, to come out and have a good time, to test ourselves and enjoy ourselves and celebrate afterwards.”
Approved by the board of the Seven Lakes West Landowners Association, the race welcomed registrations from the larger community. While registrations included a nominal number of folks from outside the community gates, Frost, who serves on the SLWLA Board of Directors, believes the event is a beautiful way to showcase the neighborhood.
Frost gets great pleasure from directing the race, something akin to a runner’s high.
“My joy right now is not doing the race. But because I’ve been there my joy really is watching everybody else cross the finish line,” he said.
“Some people do it for fun. Some people do it for the challenge. It’s hard. They’re breathing heavily. But I’ve been there. I know what they’re going through. And I love watching them succeed across the finish line and celebrating with them. And that’s why I do it.”
Even a small race like the Lake Auman Classic requires a big effort from the director and volunteers. It involves everything from seeking local business sponsors (about $5,500 this year) to coordinating with the fire departments for safety, lining up food and entertainment, directing traffic, handing out water bottles and encouraging registrations.
Frost is quick to acknowledge the many helping hands that pitch in to pull off the community event.
“It takes so many people to put it together. We have some of us that are going out and getting sponsors who contribute services and organizing the details,” he said. “So many people come together just to make it a great experience for the runners and the community. And if the runner didn’t come it wouldn’t happen at all. I’m thankful to them as well.”
The 94 finishers ranged in age from 10 to 78. The top male finishers were Wyatt Dennis, Connor Birdsell and Charles Rust. The top female finishers were Kim Rust, Vivan Lynch and Carrie Huffman.
The Seven Lakes West and West End Fire and Rescue departments were on hand for emergencies. The proceeds after expenses will be donated to the two departments.
With a date scheduled and confirmed for May 16, 2026, the race director is already dashing toward the 5th annual race.
Contact Maggie Beamguard at maggie@thepilot.com.
