MARION -- A winter storm warning and frigid temperatures with highs in the low teens did not deter nearly 80 runners from completing the 2021 Fly with the Eagles half marathon at the Crab Orchard Wildlife Refuge on Saturday.
Organized by the River to River Runners, the 13.1-mile race takes runners along the roads and trails of the Refuge's 44,000 acres.
Adam Unverfehrt from the Centralia area finished first with a time of 1:28:46.
Illinois State Police District 13 Commander Captain Casey Faro Taylor finished with a time of 2:22:20.
In a field that included all ages and competitors from several states, 11-year-old twin brothers, Raphael and Gabriel Greer from Marion both made is across the finish line.
"Team Greer," as their dad, Blaine, refers to them, are 6th grade students at Marion Junior High School where they are members of the cross country team.
Blains said while he doesn't "push" the boys, he does encourage them.
"I tell them what meets there are and they decide what they run," he said.
Blaine said considering the frigid temperatures he urged them to skip the race on Saturday.
"No, they wanted to go," he said. "They love to run."
The River to River Running Club was founded in 1984. Information on the club and its events is available www.rivertoriver.net.