I really, really loved reading everyone’s reasons for why they’d like to run this weekend’s inaugural Farmland 5K. Many thanks to those who took the time out of their day to post here. I had just two free entries to give away, but I hope those who didn’t win consider signing on anyway for this race–it’s going to be a blast, and I would really like to meet you all in person! Also, I have some pretty awesome news to share about this race and something exciting that just came about today, but I’m kind of waiting to spill … I really don’t mean to be vague. I will let everyone in on it soon enough. But, if you happen to be at the race, you’re sure to be in the know.

OK, on to the important stuff. Here’s who won the giveaway, taking those who commented by 5 p.m. EST and using Random.org (in other words, I did not do the picking. This was a completely random drawing):

Josh Kennard, who posted the following as the reason he’d like to run this race:

I’d love to win because I am coming off a high ankle injury which has sidelined me for a month. This past month was the hardest for me both mentally and physically. Running is my therapy and when it was gone so was my motivation and confidence. I thought about just taking the rest of 2012 off to rest, but thats not me. The Farmland 5K will be a great ending to 2012. This morning was my first run back and being out there on the TART Trail just the sound of my breathe and the crunching of the snow beneath my feet was so liberating.

Kristy, who had this to say about why this race was for her:

I would like to run this race because my in-laws are coming into town :) Also because running makes me less grumpy. Did I mention, in-laws coming into town? Also because race gear with ‘farmland 5k’ on it would be cool.

Josh and Kristy: please email me at heatherdurocher [at] yahoo [dot] com to claim your free entry to this race. Thank you, runner friends, for taking part in this giveaway–and for being part of the Michigan running community here.