As rows of runners lined up for the start of a race, another crowd roamed the parking lot looking at classic Firebirds, Porsches, Model A’s, a Delorean and more.

For the fifth consecutive year, the Apex Park and Recreation District hosted its annual Father’s Day 5k and Family Fun Run alongside the APRD Foundation’s 8th annual car show June 17.

Hundreds of people from cities across Colorado, and from other states, spent their Sunday morning running 3.1 miles in support of the APRD Foundation and promoting fitness in Arvada.

“It’s been a great event,” said Jim Whitfield, a member of the Apex board of directors and co-founder of the race. “It’s just grown and grown year on year.”

The event was free for attendees, but race and car show participants paid a registration fee that goes directly to supporting Apex and its events, activities and facilities.

The first-place female and male in the 5k were, respectively, Casey Jongewaard, 19, of Arvada, who completed the course in 19 minutes, 48.8 seconds; and Shawn Lindbom, 23, of Wiggins, who finished the course in 16:49.6.

For a list of complete 5K results, go online to www.apexprd.org/2012-fathers-day-5k-results. Whitfield, who finished 65th overall this year, said he has participated each year since the event started.

“I have an outstanding challenge to my two boys to beat me each year,” Whitfield said. “It helps my family stay fit, and as a board member and somebody who brought the thing up, I feel like I have an obligation to lead by example; I want to be somebody who does what they say. I’ll do it as long as my body allows me.”

Running may not be every dad’s interest so the car show provided every dad the chance to admire classics and new hot rods, and even teach their children about cars.

Greg Whisler attended the car show with his dad, Dwayne, and his son, Stratton.

“It’s important to spend time together, and what better way than to come out on a bright, sunny Colorado day and spend it together at a car show,” Whisler said.

Another dad, Ken Godsey, spent the day with his two young sons, showing them the basics of cars, both vintage and new, small and big — including a monster truck.

“We’re having a good time,” Godsey said as he showed his sons the chassis of a lifted truck. “It’s the perfect day for dads.”