The Kennesaw Grand Prix Series opened this past weekend with the Swift-Cantrell Classic 5K. The race, which benefits the Swift-Cantrell Park Foundation, has been the series opening event since 2011.

In total, 943 runners participated in the Swift-Cantrell Classic. Michael Malkowski finished first among the men with a time of 16:40 while Veronica Amele finished first among women at 18:54. The overall masters winners were Steve Bell (16:56) and Tina Klein (22:34). For complete race results, click here.

SCPF President Lee Johnson Awards Women’s Overall Champion Veronica Amele with her Trophy

“This is our major fundraising venture for the year,” said Swift-Cantrell Park Foundation President, Lee Johnson. “We are so thankful for all the runners that participated and the volunteers that helped put this race on. We are looking forward to making positive improvements to the park with the support you all have given our city and our Foundation”.

SCPF Volunteers Handing out Race Bags and Tee Shirts

Since its inception, the Swift-Cantrell Classic has grown steadily in popularity. The inaugural Swift-Cantrell Classic had only around 200 runners. For the past three years, the race has consistently had around 1,000 runners. The Swift-Cantrell Park Foundation attributes that rise in participation to the tremendous support of the City of Kennesaw, Kennesaw First Baptist Church, Orion Racing and all those that make this race possible.

The 943 Swift-Cantrell Classic Runners Celebrate Post-Race in City Plaza

Special thanks to all of the Swift-Cantrell Classic 5K sponsors: WellStar, Subaru of Kennesaw, Life University, Gas South, ServisFirst Bank, Pure Barre, Red Bull, Dynamic Sports Therapy, BB&T Bank, Ambush Board Co., GeoHydro Engineers, Play-it-Again Sports, Mellow Mushroom, and CPR Cell Phone Repair.