The 2009 Brookline Breeze
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Runners take their first steps as the gun sounds to start the 28th Annual Brookline Breeze 5K.

The 28th running of the Brookline Breeze was held on August 8, 2009. Over 700 runners and walkers from the Pittsburgh Metropolitan region competed in the annual Citiparks neighborhood 5k Run/Walk. Race organizer Debbie Brust was all smiles as the total number of participants increased by nearly two hundred over the past year.

A talented field of runners packed the starting line, including annual contenders Tim Wu, Dave Farina, Charlie Ban and 2007 winner Eric Schafer. This year's top male finisher was Ryan Sheehan, who stunned the crowd at the finish line by turning in a near-record time of 15:05. Sheehan's performance was only nine seconds off Barry Harwick's course record of 14:56, set in 1987. The top female finisher was Jessica Zozos, with a time of 18:47, one minute faster than her third place finish a year ago. The top Brookline runner for the second year in a row was Pittsburgh firefighter Ed Hurley, who finished 35th overall with a time of 19:40.

Following the awards presentation, the 4th Annual Brookline Breeze Community Festival was held. A local Classic Rock band, Steel Hollow, featuring Brookliner's Michael and John Poremski, kept the crowd rockin' while attractions like the petting zoo, moonwalk, balloon art and the climbing wall kept the kids busy.

Race Director Debbie Brust and Froggy declared this a very successful Breeze Day!

It was a great day for the community of Brookline and race enthusiasts everywhere. The increase in participation is a good sign that healthy living is on the rise, and that can only be a good thing! Special thanks go out to the many corporate and local business sponsors, the tireless volunteers, and the Citiparks Audio and Special Events staffs, whose generosity and assistance have made the Brookline Breeze one of the best neighborhood races in the City of Pittsburgh.

<View Photos of the Breeze Week Car Cruise - August 7, 2009>

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* Photos provided by Linda Andrews and Clint Burton *

Brookline Breeze 2009

The Race and Awards Presentation

Late Registration

Blowing up Balloons

Thanks to our many volunteers

Local Band Steel Hollow kept the crowd in tune with a variety of Classic Rock hooks and riffs.

The 1 mile kiddie run is fun

Runners gather at the start line

It's almost 9:00!

Pre-race jitters?

By the time the walkers hit the top of the first hill the premier runners will be passing them on the way down.

The sea of runners take on the first hill.

The Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium sent the shark to roam the crowd.

Ryan Sheehan hits the finish line

Top Female Debbie Zozos approaches the line

Thanks to Runner's High for their good work every year.

First-class seating

Thanks as always to Citipark's own Spinal Tap Sound Crew, who spend most of their summer putting on the Movies in the Park events around the city, but always find time to help out at the Brookline Breeze.

Pizza, Water, Fresh Fruit and Soda. Lots of liquids. Lots of Carbs.

The Top 3 Male Finishers

The Top 3 Female Finishers

Michael Cain (center) finished 13th overall.

The petting zoo.

Shark Art, courtesy of the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium.

The Climbing Wall is always the top attraction at the festival.

Ryan Sheehan and Jessica Zozos
2009 Brookline Breeze 5K Winners

Picture of 2009 Brookline Breeze winners!

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