For seven years, the Anna Banana 5K Run has been put on to commemorate the life of Anna Lee Janowitz, a Fruita Monument High School student and cross-country runner killed in a car accident in 2002.
“It’s an interesting race,” said Martelle Daniels, a family friend of Anna’s. “It’s very family-oriented. We’ve had children, grandparents and friends of Anna’s participate year after year. We’ve also had top runners from all over the valley.”
The race will be held at 8 a.m. on Oct. 1 at Connected Lakes at the James M. Robb Colorado River State Park. The race is open to all ages, and the entry fee is $25.
After her death, Daniels, along with Anna’s mother Diana Janowitz and several other mothers that knew Anna formed the Anna Lee Foundation in her memory.
The Anna Lee Foundation awards $500 scholarships to western Colorado high school seniors who have been admitted to an accredited college or university, and who have participated in cross-country and have maintained at least a 3.0 GPA.
“It was important for us to keep Anna’s memory alive by giving out scholarships in her honor,” Daniels said.
The foundation has given away 37 scholarships since 2003 to students belonging to all four high schools in the valley. Sponsorships and proceeds from the race go towards the scholarships, but the money is mainly raised through donations from local families and businesses.
Officials at Colorado Mesa University have offered to match the scholarships awarded to students that attend the university next fall.
“We think it will be beneficial for community involvement and students at Colorado Mesa University,” Program Coordinator for the Office of Development Lindsay Byers said.
The race is followed by another race for area high school runners that was formerly called the Fruita Invite, but was re-named by Anna’s teammates and coaches as part of the “Anna Banana” race. The high school race starts at 10 a.m.
“We love this race,” Janowitz said. “It’s a healing moment to know that so many people remembered her.”
Teams in the citizen’s race are broken down by gender and age groups. There will be various opportunities for runners to win the coveted ceramic banana medals that were made by FMHS art students.
“I set up a table at the race, so everyone knows about [Anna],” Janowitz said.
Many members of Anna’s high school team return to participate in the race.
“Running is something they will do forever,” Janowitz said.
For more information on the race and the Anna Lee Foundation, visit www.annaleefoundation.org.

ccsandli@mavs.coloradomesa.edu