GREEN COVE SPRINGS - With a number of top tier runners from Jacksonville making the trek to Green Cove Springs on Saturday, the Whistling Death 10K/5K running series got a little bit of fast, up front running as well as locals battling for best times.

The race celebrates the F4U Corsair of WWII, which was nicknamed “Whistling Death” by the Japanese. It was the Marine Corps main fighter in the Pacific. Many of the pilots were trained in Green Cove Springs!

With 1st Place Sports of Jacksonville veteran runners Michelle Krueger, 46, and John Decker, 21, both taking top honors in the 10K (6.2 miles) run. Decker was top overall finisher in 35 minutes, 40 seconds with Krueger being edged by husband Dean Krueger for the third overall spot by just 18 seconds; 43:01-43:19, while 12 year old Stella Krueger kept the family finishing pack in tact with a fifth place finish in a very quick 46:23 as she showed off some family genetics.

For the males, second overall went to Richard Windmann, 30, in 42:44, with Decker’s quick front running breaking the race open right from the starter’s gun.

In the adjoining 5K (3.1 miles) 16 year old Caleb Olan won decisively as well with his 18:54 finish besting runnerup Dell Fonda, 25, by a perfect minute. Third place went to Logan Brown, 16, in 20:55.

For the females, Haley McCown, 40, was all alone at 12th place in 25:04 with second place going to 14 year old Cydnie Abraham in 20th at 27:43. Veteran runner KC Padget, a spry 66, was third female in 26th in28:29.