The thirty-seventh annual Day in the Park race was held on Saturday, May 2 with about 130 people in the 5K and a good number (which means that I don't know exactly how many) in the one-mile run. The weather was warm and the humidity was high. Add that to the hills and this was a great race. After a few instructions and a prayer, Mayor Melvin Mack gave the signal to start the race. Everyone was off and running. Terry Lawhead took the early lead and had no trouble coming up with the win. Neil Solomon was second, and he was followed by Ray Henderson. Neil won the Masters, and Ed Curtis was the Grand Masters winner. Stephanie Hathorn (with a last name like that she has to be fast) was the female winner. Karen Green was the Masters winner, and Dianne Thames was the Grand Masters winner. Dianne ran with her son for the entire race. The one-mile run was a family affair. Ben and Laura Armour were the winners. Ben and Laura are just two of a dozen kids in the family, and other siblings were present and running. As always this is somewhat of a family event. In addition to the Armours, several Marcellinos, Wargels, Bisnettes, Buckleys, Coffins, Loftons, Bergins, and Hathorns ran. Mike Maslanka ran in his thirty-second Day in the Park run, which is probably a record for consecutive races in Mississippi. As a matter of fact, I doubt that any race in the state is older than this one. After the race everyone enjoyed plenty of good food and drink, which were provided by Magnolia State Bank.  Much thanks to Dee Dee, Ashley, Shelly, and all of the Laurel Arts League for putting on this race. Also a big thanks to Bill McMullin, who works hard to make this a success. The Laurel Police and Fire Departments are also to be commended for making the race safe for the runners. Results are listed below.
© Phillip Wedgeworth   See Pictures  Results