Runners Mark Fourth of July Tradition in Coronado at Crown City Classic

La Jolla Country Day School graduate Julius Diehr won the men’s 12K at the 51st annual Crown City Classic in Coronado Thursday.

Jess McClain of Phoenix won the women’s race for the fourth consecutive year.

Diehr, who makes his home in Providence, R.I., ran the 7.45-mile route in 38:16, a 5:08-per-mile pace, organizers said.

Flagstaff resident Patrick Hutton finished second with a time of 39:08, while Los Angeles resident Benjamin Enowitz was third at 39:35.

“There’s people everywhere,” Diehr said. “Everyone’s wearing the red, white and blue. Everyone’s having a great time out here on July 4.”

McClain won the women’s race with a time of 39:25, a 5:18-per-mile pace. She finished more than a mile ahead of the next best female entrant and placed third overall, including among the race’s male contenders.

“Coronado is my favorite,” said McClain, whose in-laws live in Coronado part-time. “It’s a race I look forward to every year.”

Maggie Gibbs, in second behind McClain, had a time of 46:09. See the full results here.

Coronado resident Tim Hendricks won the men’s 5K in 15:05, while San Diegan Bridie Robillard took the women’s 5K in 18 minutes.

Held Thursday morning under overcast skies, the races drew 2,800 runners, walkers and wheelchair athletes, organizers said.

Competitors started the day “sprinting beneath a huge United States flag” and ran along a course lined with spectators wearing patriotic-themed clothing for Independence Day.

A post-race celebration was held at Tidelands Park.

– City News Service