LAKEVILLE — Nearly 100 runners took off from Mullein Hill for the Christian Academy’s annual “Honor Thy Mother” 5K on Saturday, May 3 — most finished in about 40 minutes, while a fast few crossed the finish line with the clock still in the teens.

Corey Herbert finished first, something he’s done nearly every year since the race began in 2017. This year he finished in 17 minutes and 36 seconds. In 2019 he took silver after running neck and neck with his training partner until the end.

“He pulled away the last half mile, I just didn’t have the gas to get him,” Herbert said of his only loss.

The Mullein Hill 5K attracts a wide range of runners. Herbert began competing after hearing about the race from a friend at church, Jennifer Reis, whose daughter attended the school.

The second-place finisher, 13-year-old Weston Brolsma, said he decided to run because he lives nearby.

“I just saw the sign out on the road,” he said. Weston beat his target time of 20 minutes by more than 45 seconds.

Mullein Hill principal Barbara Priestly said a faithful group of alumni, parents and students participate in the 3.5-mile run each year.

The $25 entry fee supports the school, with a portion of the proceeds going to a ministry — typically one that serves moms and children. The school’s fall 5K benefits veterans.

Priestly said the silent auction held immediately after the race usually raises more money than registration fees.

“The funds are used to meet our annual operating budget. In addition to all the everyday expenses, we just put a new roof on our preschool building, the 'Munchkin House', and we are in the process of trying to convert a garage to a small gym area. Those are projects we could not accomplish without additional funds,” Priestly said.

Clear skies and mild temperatures helped boost turnout this year. The Lakeville Police Department also attended, setting up a tent to educate parents on car seat safety. Several other vendors sold food and crafts.

“We’re little, we run on a super tight budget, but God meets all of our needs. The people we have here are very committed to the ministry, even on a day like today people bring apples and oranges and show up with a case of water,” Priestly said. “It’s awesome, this is such a special place.”