I had the pleasure of joining my colleagues as a part of NCBA CLUSA’s “Nonstop Co-op” team at this year’s Co-op 5K, held by the Cooperative Development Foundation (CDF) at picturesque Hains Point in Washington, DC.
This annual event is more than just a race; it is a significant fundraiser for CDF. This year, the Co-op 5K raised more than $65,000, which will support cooperative development nationwide. The funds will also ensure that CDF’s Disaster Recovery Fund continues to operate without overhead costs, allowing every dollar donated to directly assist cooperatives in need.
Since its inception in 1944, CDF has been dedicated to incubating, replicating and elevating cooperatives across all sectors in the U.S. and internationally. Events like the Co-op 5K play a crucial role in enabling this vital work to continue in the decades to come. It was inspiring to see so many members of the cooperative community come together, united in their support for cooperative development.
The atmosphere during the race was electric, with participants cheering each other on, perfectly embodying the cooperative principle of solidarity. It was a reminder that within our cooperative organizations, we are all part of a unified network, supporting one another in both challenges and triumphs.
The weather on race day was phenomenal, with clear skies and a gentle breeze that made the experience even more enjoyable. The combination of the stunning city skyline and the serene natural park trails created an ideal setting for this community-focused event.
I was thrilled to see so many athletes participating, and it was exciting to congratulate this year’s winners:
In-Person Winners
– Overall Male: John Petrich (NCBA CLUSA Nonstop Co-op)
– Overall Female: Heidi Pilloud (ACDI/VOCA Globetrotters)
– Male Under 9: Terry Muliokela (NCB Sole Shakers)
– Female Under 9: Haddie Brown (NCBA CLUSA Nonstop Co-op)
– Male 10 – 19: Austin Aaronson (ACDI/VOCA Globetrotters)
– Female 10 – 19: Angela Muliokela (NCB Sole Shakers)
– Male 20 – 29: Korey Diaz (NRECA Electric Lights)
– Female 20 – 29: Irem Ellez (Team CFC)
– Male 30 – 39: Sergio Flores (ACDI/VOCA Globetrotters)
– Female 30 – 39: Virginia Brown (NCBA CLUSA Nonstop Co-op)
– Male 40 – 49: Ricardo Callado (Capital Impact Partners)
– Female 40 – 49: Laura Schauble (ACDI/VOCA Globetrotters)
– Male 50 – 59: Rob Barlow (NCB Sole Shakers)
– Female 50 – 59: Danielle Sieverling (NRECA Electric Lights)
– Male 60 – 69: Wayne McGurk (NRECA Electric Lights)
– Female 60 – 69: Michele Rinn (NRECA Electric Lights)
– Female 70+: Maria Molina
Virtual Winners
– Overall Male: Dalton Struck (CoBank: Growing Rural America)
– Overall Female: Marie-Pierre Burquier (CooperationWorks!)
– Male 20 – 29: Josh Bartling (CoBank: Growing Rural America)
– Female 20 – 29: Liliana Lomeli (CooperationWorks!)
– Male 30 – 39: David Garcia (CoBank: Growing Rural America)
– Female 30 – 39: Alex Stone
– Male 40 – 49: Drew Roberts (NCB Sole Shakers)
– Female 40 – 49: Elizabeth Dillinger (CoBank: Growing Rural America)
– Male 50 – 59: Steve Wittbecker (CoBank: Growing Rural America)
– Female 50 – 59: Kristin Howard (Neighboring Co-operators)
– Male 60 – 69: Tom Lindfors (CoBank: Growing Rural America)
– Female 60 – 69: Kelly Krotz (CoBank: Growing Rural America)
– Male 70+: Michael Wells (Neighboring Co-operators)
– Female 70+: Karen Zimbelman
A special thank you goes out to the 2025 sponsors who made this event possible. Their support is vital in helping CDF continue its mission of fostering cooperative development.
Participating in the Co-op 5K was not just about running; it was about celebrating our shared values and the power of community. I’m grateful to have been part of this incredible event alongside my NCBA CLUSA team, and I look forward to seeing how these efforts will further support cooperative development in the years to come. Save the date now for next year’s race!
See more of the race in the video below recognizing this year’s winners
