Last Sunday, the ever-popular Big Nut Strut 5-kilometer run/walk — that benefits Big Walnut School District elementary school PTOs — had its best year ever with perfect weather and a record crowd.

There were 746 pre-registered runners and walkers; with walk-on registrations, 787 participated in the event, trumping the 2014 record of 569.

The top three male finishers overall were Jacob Hutchinson, Kurt Olson and Jonathan Karhmann; the top three female runners were Madi Yano, Leksi Murnieks and Amber Dills.

Big Nut Strut chair Sandie Knapp said the event could never be a success without the support of sponsors and volunteers.

“The entire day was awesome,” Knapp said. “This really came together as a community event, and every year it just gets bigger and better.”

For race results, log on to columbusrunning.com, click “Events,” then click “Results,” and then scroll down to “Big Nut Strut.”

NBC 4 on-air personality Dave Mazza, a Big Walnut dad, emceed the event that started and ended in the General Rosecrans Elementary School parking lot.

Part of Big Nut Strut’s appeal is the opportunity for Big Walnut students to schmooze with the real Golden Eagle.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2015/10/web1_BNS-10415-0085.a.jpg Part of Big Nut Strut’s appeal is the opportunity for Big Walnut students to schmooze with the real Golden Eagle.