Sahuarita, AZ — November 8, 2025 — The 16th Annual Pecan Classic, held in the scenic pecan orchards of Sahuarita, concluded the 2025 Pecan Orchard Series on a high note. This year’s event drew 382 runners for the 5K and 10K races, celebrating fitness, community, and the beauty of the orchards in autumn.

Top 10K Finishers included:

• Hunter Claypatch, 1st place male
• Karlee Kenison, 1st place female
• Nigel Gruff, 2nd place male
• Vanessa Morales, 2nd place female
• Nic Santa Cruz, 3rd place male
• Anita McGuire, 3rd place female
• Dave Dixon, Masters male
• Amy Rollins, Masters female

Top 5K Finishers included:

• Jace Lankow, 1st place male
• Phoebe Blake, 1st place female
• Alexander Soto, 2nd place male
• Heidi Thompson, 2nd place female
• Daniel Streete, 3rd place male
• Katrin Lichtsinn, 3rd place female

The run benefited several local organizations, including The Continental School Foundation, the Green Valley Sahuarita Chamber Foundation, the Sahuarita 4H Club, which delighted participants with a petting zoo, and as always, the Green Valley Firefighters Association who served their famous pancakes to all participants.

Sponsors and partners who made the event possible included Sprinkler World, Days Excavating, Western Blend, Ben Duncan Edward Jones, Desert Diamond Casino, FBN, Avid Water, Greater Green Valley Community Foundation, Empire Cat, The Optimist Club, Lynch Roofing, The Running Shop, and FICO. American Pecan also contributed wonderful gifts for runners and volunteers.

Paula Beemer, Director of Marketing and Events for Green Valley Pecans, shared, “We are so grateful for the volunteers and loyal participants who make this series such a special celebration every year. The energy, excitement, and community spirit are unmatched.”

Results, photos, and registration for the 2026 Pecan Orchard Series are available at https://www.greenvalleypecan.com/5k-runs/.