BLOOMINGTON - Tracey Welch's choice of a dress for her May wedding got a little easier after she won a Saturday morning foot race in the parking lot of a local bridal store.

Welch, of Marshfield, Wis., was one of 12 brides-to-be attired in discontinued styles of wedding dresses who braved heat and humidity to participate in Running of the Brides at Bridal Elegance, 1329 E. Empire St., Bloomington.

Welch earned $500 toward the dress of her choice. Second- and third-place finishers won $250 and $100.

"I have five dresses picked out, and the decision just got a bit easier," Welch said. "With $500, you can spend a little more money."

The event was a first for the Bloomington store, manager Alexis Ferracuti said. The events are popular on the East Coast, and Ferracuti said she wanted to bring the fun here. Bridal Elegance's Ottawa store held its event earlier this summer, but rain forced the brides to run laps inside the store.

Ferracuti said the economy has not affected the business because "everyone needs a dress," and brides don't seem to shy from higher-priced dresses.

Welch's selection of a dress to run in was a bit easier than her wedding-day selection. "I chose this one because it is the closest to my size, and it is two pieces. I could roll the skirt up that way," Welch said, describing her attire.

Third-place finisher Kara Krause of Cullom also paid close attention to her selection, wearing a T-shirt under the sleeveless dress with a poufed skirt.

"I chose this one because it doesn't have beads under the arms. I didn't want to chafe my arms while I ran," said Krause, who is getting married next June. "It also has a good skirt for hiking."

Second-place finisher Natalee Kuzian of Champaign was one of two runners who fell on the first turn of the run. The other runner gave up, but Kuzian - who has 12 years of soccer under her belt - leaped up and continued.

Afterward, Kuzian was matter-of-fact as she looked over a bloodied ivory dress and scraped knee and elbow.

"Oh, well," she said. "I work at the emergency room. I will just stop in there on my way home."

She plans to use her winnings toward a dress she plans to wear to her wedding reception in September.

All three winners are athletes who admit a competitive streak. In addition to Kuzian's soccer background, Welch runs to stay in shape, and Krause plays softball for Illinois Wesleyan University.