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TAHLEQUAH, OK - Aided by a new 5-kilometer course and perfect running weather, the 17th annual Cherokee National Holiday Run drew more than 300 competitors.

Several changes were made to this year’s run, most notably the course route and distance.

"We wanted to create a new excitement and interest in this event and the increase in participation shows that these changes were favorable", said Darrel O’Field, race director.

The event consisted of a standard 5k run and a one-mile fun run, both starting and finishing at the Cherokee Nation Tribal Complex. Runners and walkers from nine different states and the District of Columbia participated in the event.

Principal Chief Chad Smith also participated in the 5k run before walking the holiday parade route immediately afterward. Race organizers awarded commemorative trophies and mugs to the top three finishers in each of the age and weight groups in the 5k, as well as the top three fun-run finishers.

Sheri Duke, of Tulsa, won the Women’s open division in 19:29. Lance Old Bear, of Chambers, Ariz., won the Men’s open division in 16:52.