The 2008 Gulf Coast Running Club's annual Valentine's Day race was held on February 9, in Ocean Springs with 217 5K runners, 25 one-milers, and several walkers. After a few instructions and warnings by Leonard Vergunst, we were off and running. Leonard easily won the overall with a 17.15. Sheryl Chatfield traveled down from Hattiesburg to take the overall female with a 19.45. In addition to Sheryl and Leonard, the Pine Belt Pacers were well represented. Bill Gasparinni and Phillip Wedgeworth placed first and second in their age groups. Tom Williams placed in his age group. Nestor placed in the couples class. Curtis Fancher won the race walk. This is a great race on an out and back course with one hill. We were told by the National Forest Service that we needed to be through by 10:00 because they had a planned burn scheduled for that morning. With efficient work of the Gulf Coast Running Club, we were able to finish in time. The only problem with the race was the gnats and other bugs that tried to eat us alive. Bob Clark told me that I had so many bug bites that I was anemic before the race started, and I think he might have been correct in that assessment. Much thanks to the GCRC for the hard work. Even with new president Ed Wheeler, they still get things done well. Results are linked © Phillip Wedgeworth