Team Tinker captures 10k title at 2009 RedBud Classic Published April 10, 2009 By John E. Banks Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- Though they faced wintry, blustery conditions, Team Tinker runners withstood the elements and won the 10-kilometer team competition April 5 in the 2009 RedBud Classic. "It is always fun to participate in a great event like the RedBud Classic, but being part of Team Tinker made it much more enjoyable and memorable," said Ben Gibson, Team Tinker organizer. The RedBud Classic is an annual event which prepares runners for specific competitions during the year and in particular the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. Members of Team Tinker were Marcia Walker, Jacob Moreno, Patrick Mitchell, Nancy Garza, Stacey Isaac, Gibson, Larry Tillis, Robin Garretson, Owen Garretson, Teresa Telles, Cathy Guttery, Danny Ponder, Bruce Layne, Mike Allen, Jay Roberts, Shelly Harris and Robert Yara. The Tinker team outdistanced its nearest competitors by 18 minutes, 21 seconds. The unique aspect of this accomplishment was that the Tinker team had 16 runners, while others -- like Chesapeake Energy, Devon Energy, Oklahoma Blood Institute and Oklahoma Gas and Electric -- had larger numbers participating in the event. "I ran my personal best and was overcome by emotion," said Robin Garretson. "It was an amazing-feeling an event. Team Tinker made a remarkable showing despite the poor race conditions." The camaraderie from the Tinker squad cannot be understated. "It is great to know that even at our age physically there are no goals we cannot reach if we set our minds to it," said Telles. The Tinker contingent garnered individual accolades during this event. Ponder was the quickest in his age group with a time of 40:15; followed by Yara with a 40:27. The women also performed well in their category. Robin Garretson placed fourth in her age bracket with a time of 49:04. The Tinker Running Club is always gearing up for future events and is looking for individuals to participate with them. For more information on the running club, e-mail skynoodle1@aol.com.