Clear skies and cool temperatures greeted runners and walkers Saturday morning as about 130 participants turned out for the 2nd annual Phillip’s Cottage 5K, raising funds for Phillip’s Cottage and drawing visitors from across the region.
Phillip’s Cottage is a Minden-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides transitional housing for women with children graduating from Louisiana Adult & Teen Challenge. Proceeds from the race will help support the mothers and children living there, maintain the property, and cover operational expenses throughout the year.
“Phillip’s Cottage 5K was an incredible success. We welcomed around 130 runners from Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas, and silent runners from across the nation … the support was truly overwhelming,” said organizer Sara McDaniel. “It was not only a win for our mission, but also for Minden as participants stayed to shop our town and enjoy our local restaurants. We are so grateful for a community that shows up in such a meaningful way. We are already looking ahead and hope everyone will mark their calendars for April 17, 2027.”
Top finishers in the 5K were Gary Wilson in first place with a time of 17:29.8, Joshua Sullivan in second at 20:46, and Jacob Wessling in third at 22:51.5.
Gibsland Bank & Trust served as the title sponsor for the race.
Organizers said the second annual event built on the momentum of its inaugural year and further established the Phillip’s Cottage 5K as both a meaningful fundraiser and a growing community tradition in Minden.
