On Saturday, December 27, The Gulf Coast Running Club held its Last Chance to Run. The unique thing about this race is that people who join the club can run free. So if two or more people in a family participate, it is cheaper to join the club than to pay the regular registration fee. In the past this race had distances of one mile, 5K, 10K, ten mile, and half marathon; however for the last few years the club has streamlined it to one mile, 5K and 10K. I have gone to this race on and off for the last dozen years and I have experienced some extreme conditions for South Mississippi. The first few years that I went were extremely cold, but this year was extremely warm for December with a temperature of 80 and 100% humidity with a strong wind in our faces for the return of the out and back course. The traffic on the course was bad as well with one runner deciding to take on a Toyota Tundra. The Tundra suffered a broken side view mirror and a very angry owner; the runner didn't appear to be hurt. As Jack Ward once said, "Mississippi runners are without fear and will take on anything from log trucks to dogs."  Well back to the race. Over 150 people participated and had a great time even though the times were much slower than usual.  Guy Truett ran the slowest 10K of his career. After the race everyone enjoyed the good food and fellowship. It is always great to see Leonard, Bob, Kristen, Dwight, Denise, Nancy, and all of the usual Gang. Member Gerald Miller travels from Atlanta every year for this event. It is hard to believe that Ed has been president for a year and no damage has been done to the club. It must be all of that free dental work that he offers to the members who are brave enough to accept. The hard work of the club officers and members is to be commended. It is hard to imagine the fact that Denise has been managing the on site registration at practically every race since 1982, and she does it with a very friendly smile to everyone.  I would write about the Jim Taylor, the former Green Bay running back who ran a good 10K at 65 years of age, but that last time I did that five people believed that Jim was actually a former player. He and I enjoyed the joke, but the five gullible people did not. I have to congratulate Bo Henderson, The Pine Belt Pacer young runner of the year, who won the one-mile run. His dad also ran well in the 5K.
Complete results are linked. © Phillip Wedgeworth