Race Report for Purple Heart 5K at USM – April 18, 2009               

I decided to run the Purple Heart 5K because it was on the USM campus, for a good cause, and close to home.  It was a small race – maybe 50.  There was a lot of military – one running in full fatigues and carrying a 35lb. pack.  There was also a young boy in a racing wheelchair who was quite an inspiration.  After instructions and thanks from a purple heart recipient, a canon shot and we took off.   The race was very well organized with lots of volunteers.  It started at exactly 9:00 a.m. and there were plenty of drinks and fruit afterwards. 

I was the 2^nd overall female and finished in 22:56.  The first female was a soldier from Camp Shelby.  The male winner was a young cross country runner from Columbia.  OK – so I’m sure some of you are asking was the course short.  After checking with several people, we were informed that the race was accurate.  Maybe I’ll get a friend with a garmin and try to run the course again – or maybe not. 

One of the things I enjoyed was the dog tag awards!  They duplicated awards so I came home with 3 sets of dog tags – 2nd overall female, masters female, and 1st in my age group.  I think I’ll mention to them next year about not duplicating awards. 

© Vicki Copeland