Long-time friends take Color Fun Run trophy

The Color Fun Run stayed consistent with the average of its first two events in 2016 and 2017, hosting 95 runners on Saturday, June 1, who supported the Malta Parks and Recreation Department.

The run raised $910 for the Parks and Recreation department.

The winners of the 2018 Malta Color Fun Run 5K Trophy were best friends Carly Prestwich and Bobbi Knudsen, who held hands across the finish line. Independence Bank, the orange station, won the 2018 Color Fun Run's Most Festive Station.

"We were hoping that they were smart enough to have two first-place trophies," Prestwich said sarcastically. "And they didn't so we are kind of disappointed."

Almost not believing what Prestwich was saying, Knudsen responded, "We were not disappointed."

Later, Prestwich revealed why the duo really crossed the line together.

"I made us finish the race together because if I didn't I knew that she would beat me," Prestwich said with a laugh.

Joking aside, Prestwich and Knudsen set a quick pace that they would hold from the beginning to the end of the race. They shared their favorite parts of the race.

"Having the colors thrown at us was pretty fun," Prestwich said. "I always like running on the M-Trail. I liked the corner at the end of the M-Trail because it was the halfway point."

Knudsen's response was a little more sentimental.

"I ran with my best pal," Knudsen said. "We have been best friends since pre-school."

The duo attended Malta Public Schools together from start to finish. When Knudsen was leading the M-ettes to a state title in 2010, Prestwich was not playing but she was definitely a part of the team in another aspect.

"I cheered the year that she won," Prestwich said.

Knudsen also helped Malta win a title in 2007.

"Carly was a cheerleader, so that counts," Knudsen said.

Being a part of the race, runners were able to help fund the Parks and Rec. department, who has brought numerous organized activities back to Malta.

"It feels awesome to be a part of this," Prestwich said. "It's making our community better and it gives everyone something to do."

Knudsen is currently studying to be a veterinarian in Colo., but she came home for this weekend in particular.

"I came home for this," Knudsen said. "I heard about this and I had to come back."

Prestwich is going to be teaching science at Whitewater High School this fall.

There were many runners, walkers and stroller chasers in this year's event. One participant who had a stroller was Carmen Norville, a physical therapist at Hi-Line Retirement Center.

"It was a nice, beautiful day," Norville said. "It was a little windy but fun."

It was Norville's first time doing the run in Malta, but she had been a part of Fun Run events in Billings in previous years. She shared what she loved about Malta's event.

"I love that the course is easy for strollers," Norville said. "So it makes it easy to do even if you have kiddos. There were good people at the stations, so that made it fun."