Rotary Fest Race Report

The fourth annual Rotary Fest 5K was held at the Howard Tech Park in Ellisville on October 25 with 51 runners and 5 in the one-mile run. Even though this was a Pine Belt Pacer Gran Prix event, only one officer participated. The course was entirely within the Tech Park, and it was as flat as any course could be. After a few instructions and a prayer lead by Overall Winner Ray Henderson, we were off and running. Ray took the early lead and never looked back. Ray ran an impressive 19.45. Phillip Wedgeworth and Les Rodgers took turns being second for the first two miles, and then Les felt bad for the old man and let Phillip take second place and the Masters award with a 20.47 Eric Weill set a PR and won the Grand Masters with a time of 21.55. Jodie Lee easily won the overall female with 22.06. Pine Belt Pacer President Audrey Jackson took female Masters honors with a 23.17. Betsy Reynolds was the female Grand Masters winner with a time of 27.24. This was a perfect day for running with a temperature in the upper 40s, no wind, so hills, and very little traffic. Usually there is no traffic in the park on Saturday mornings; however a bridge is being replaced on Highway 11 and traffic has to be routed through the park. After the race we enjoyed plenty of fruit, soft drinks, power drinks, and water. This race had a lot of family participation: the Wargels-Williamsons were present, as were the Headricks, the Hendersons, the Loftons, and others. Much thanks to Wendy, Donna, and all of the Rotary Club members who worked hard to put this race on. All of the runners were very complimentary of the race and said that they would be back. Anyone who likes a PR course and good people to be around should come to this race next year.
© Phillip Wedgeworth See Results