For the 36th consecutive year, runners met on the grounds of St. John’s School to begin the annual Applefest road race.

“I run cross-country, so I entered the race to compete athletically,” eighth grader Jack Dooling said. “I’m looking to compete at my best, but I just run in the race for fun and my own enjoyment.”

Whether it was to set a new athletic best or to fulfill a more personal goal, competitors from all walks of life gathered together to run.

“I ran it because my friend runs in the race every year and I decided to join her,” Fenton resident Agnes Meisch said. “She is also my workout partner, so I like to be involved in all the athletic activities she is in.”

Competitors can choose to run in the 10k, the 5k, the 1 mile, or ¼ mile races. The athletes are divided into different competition groups based on their ages and gender. Dooling ran in the teens 5k category and has been training extensively leading up to the race.

“As a member of the cross country team, I’ve been staying in shape for it with my normal practices,” Dooling said. “During the last three weeks, I’ve increased my training regimen in order to be prepared for the race.”

Categories allowed competitors to choose the race best suited for them. Some competitors choose a lighter workout regimen in preparation for the race.

“I run two to three days a week to stay in shape and my own, personal enjoyment,” Meisch said. “I do not train that hard for the race, because I know I’m not going to win. I try to do my best, but I’m not expecting much.”

Meisch came in second place in her category. As a veteran of the competitive road races, this was Meisch’s second Applefest race. Meisch has competed in other road races including the annual Milford Classic, in the city of Milford. But, this was the first road race Dooling has ever competed in.

“Because I compete o my school’s cross country team, I thought I would know what to expect,” Dooling said.”But, this race was totally different. You run in the street and through the town, on a nice, flat surface instead of in the woods like a normal cross country meet. This race is one entire lap, but the other races are two to three laps in the woods, so it feels shorter.”