The Run for Hope was held at Bonita Lakes in Meridian on a cold, very windy November 15 with a good crowd participating. This race features a 10K, a 5K, a one-mile run, and a two-mile walk. A group of 84 ran the 5K, 58 ran the 10K, 64 did the two-mile race walk, and 12 ran the one-mile fun run. The 10K course goes around the park and both lakes and has several big hills. The 5K goes around both lakes and has one really big hill. The Henderson family from Wayne County and Phillip Wedgeworth from Laurel represented the Pine Belt Pacers well at this race. Ray and Phillip both won their age groups, but Ray had a bigger challenge. Most of our times were slower than normal for this course. I blame the 25 mph wind that seemed to be in our faces for all but about a half mile of the race. The Meridian people always make their races fun, and everyone is extremely friendly. I also got to visit with Lori Ladd and Iva Lightsey. A few years ago, Iva was winning most of the 5 and 10Ks in the Laurel-Hattiesburg area. Now she and Lori dedicate themselves to marathons and ultras. They both, however, have qualified for and are going to Boston this spring. Iva is also more than half way through with her quest for the 50 states marathon club. After the race we enjoyed pizza, Popeye's chicken, sweet rolls, plenty of fruit, soft drinks, sports drinks, and water. The door prizes were extremely good, but I didn't win one. The awards were nice miniature carousel horses. Race director Kim Monsour and her crew did a great job with this race. The money raised is for a wonderful cause and more people should come out and support the race next year. Complete results are attached. © Phillip Wedgeworth  Results