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A cool, crisp fall morning was the perfect setting Saturday for the annual Cajun Cup 10K Race and one-mile fun run.
Race director Lance Veazey said this year was the first time the race was held in downtown Lafayette but he hopes to continue holding the event downtown in the future.
"We really wanted to try to get local businesses involved, so we're trying to keep it here," Veazey said.
Veazey said about 800 people participated in the 10K Race and about 150 to 200 people were a part of the one-mile fun run.
"We had a lot of kids do the one-mile run, so it's good to see people out here with their families having fun," he said.
Tricia Chaisson has participated in the Cajun Cup since 1991, and this year brought her 16-month-old daughter, Kailee, along for the race. Although she's too little to run just yet, Chaisson said she pushed Kailee in her stroller as she made her way through the 10,000-meter course.
"She loved it," Chaisson said. "She really had a lot of fun."
Paul Guilbeau took part in his fourth Cajun Cup on Saturday, and said he enjoys getting a different view of the scenery.
"I think it's so beautiful to be running down the streets you usually drive on," Guilbeau said. "It lets you look at things differently."
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Amanda McElfresh
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Kevin Castille, the winner in the men's 10K race with a time of 30:02, said that although he was pleased with his finish, he wasn't completely satisfied.
"I really wanted to break the record," Castille said. "Now, I'll have to come back and do it again next year."
Alice Aissi, the winner in the women's category with a time of 38:55, said she really enjoyed this year's downtown course.
"I hope I can continue running it because I really liked it downtown this year," Aissi said. "The Cajun Cup is always a great race."
With obesity becoming an increasing problem in both Louisiana and the United States, both Veazey and Castille said they felt events like the Cajun Cup can raise awareness about the importance of physical fitness.
"I think the running community here in Lafayette is picking up again," Castille said. "We're seeing more kids involved, and getting the participation level back to where it should be."
Veazey said the number of participants is a good way to see how Lafayette residents feel about staying in shape.
"It kind of gives you a good feel for where the community is at in terms of physical fitness," Veazey said. "It's really good to see people out here, especially families, having fun."
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