URBANA — The annual rite of passage known as the Twin Cities Twosome was a great success Saturday, as hundreds of Uni students met the challenge of completing the 5K course at Crystal Lake Park in Urbana.

The weather was gorgeous, and promptly at 9 a.m. the 18th annual run and walk began. Organized by Human Kinetics, the event raises money for A Woman's Fund, Crisis Nursery, and the TIMES Center.

All Uni students ran or walked the course except for track and field athletes, who helped with water stations and traffic control or, in the case of subfreshmen, competed in the IESA Class A sectional at Rantoul High School. (Emma Hoyer, Bissy Michael, Sarah Vaughen, and Nealay Kalita qualified for the state meet in total of six events.)

The Twin Cities Twosome is the annual culmination of the physical education department's fitness program.

Uni adults also participated, including Director Steve Epperson, soccer head coach Philip Anders, and numerous parents.

Junior Elizabeth Russell won the 5K open race with a time of 22 minutes, 11 seconds. Senior Elaine Gu was second with a time of 22:19. Both runners are veterans of the girls cross country team.

For the complete results, check out these links from the official site. In the meantime, enjoy this selection of photos from Saturday morning.

Photos: 18th Annual Human Kinetics Twin Cities Twosome

Gargoyle photos by David Porreca (click any photo to enlarge and to create your own slideshow)