'Break For The Lake' Champion Wins for Fourth Time

• PHOTO: Jan Myrda, 45, pictured with his children Bart, Madzia and Kasia at last year’s race.

PALOS HEIGHTS, IL — Runner Jan Myrda sped to victory at Lake Katherine’s "Break for the Lake" race on Sunday, May 15, securing first place for the fourth year in a row.

Jan, 45, from Palos Park, was first over the line at the non-profit park’s annual 5K trail race with a time of 17.52 minutes – 15 seconds faster than his winning time in 2015.

Anna Gasienica, 33, from Worth, won in the female category with a time of 24.09 minutes.

Over 100 runners competed in Sunday's race, running a scenic route around Lake Katherine taking in lake, forest and prairie in cool and sunny conditions.

Proceeds from the race will go towards children's programs, ecological restoration and animal care at the non-profit nature center.

Sponsors for the event included Chiro One, Kallemeyn Auto Rebuilders, Nick’s BBQ, PerCom Answering Services, Blast Fitness, JD Event Design, MidAmerica Orthopedics & Running Excels.