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 The twenty-sixth annual Run for the Roses was held in Prentiss on Saturday, April 11, with a large group of runners, walkers, and one-milers. This one of the Mississippi Track Club's Grand Prix events and it is one of the best races found in a small town. People come to this race from all over and some come who don't frequent many other races. After the pledge of allegiance and the national anthem, Jack Ward gave us some race instructions and we were off and running. After a short while, Caleb Hammons took the lead and was able to pull out the win with a 16.33. Dale Griffin was close in second place with a 16.49. He was followed by Rob Oates and then came fifty-one year old Jeff Hathorn to take the Grand Masters award. Shannon Knott was the Masters winner. The first female finisher was Amy Macon. Francine Johnson and Mary Lohrenz were the Masters and Grand Masters female winners. It is interesting to note that four of the top ten were over 50 and five of the top twenty-one were over 50--thanks to Charles Allred who is not officially an old man at 50. Lance Cooper and Elizabeth Howard took top honors in the race walk. It was great to see some old friends whom I have not seen at any events lately. Tony Mozingo was present running with his daughter, Grace. It seems like yesterday that Tony was pushing Grace in her stroller. Willie Powers, another person that I hadn't seen in a while was present. Willie has not lost much of his speed. Don Curtis, who has also been absent for a few years, was back running. The Pine Belt Pacers were well represented. The entire Henderson family traveled to Prentiss. Bo took first place in his age group, and Mom and Dad took second in their age groups. Audrey Jackson and Becky Ryder were first in their age groups. Holly placed as well. John Harsh and I both placed in our age groups. Christie and Kelton Turner enjoyed the event. I am sure there were other PBPers that I have not mentioned, so I will apologize here. After the race we had plenty of good food, including the famous sausage dogs. Many nice door prizes were given, but as usual I didn't win any. Much thanks to the city officials in Prentiss, the Mississippi Track Club and everyone else who worked so hard to make this a huge success. Complete results are linked. |
