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The first annual Making A Difference: One Step At A Time 5K to benefit the Blair Batson Children's hospital at the University Medical Center, sponsored by the SouthGroup, was held on Saturday, February 21, with nearly 700 people participating in the run, walk, and one-mile. The course started near the Woodlands Office Park and ran west on County Line Road before turning into the NorthPark Mall parking lot and weaving through the nearby roads up and down hills and returning to the Woodlands Office Park. Dale Griffin was the winner with a fast time of 16.45, finishing over two minutes ahead of the second finisher. Jim George was the third finisher with an 18.07--pretty fast for an old man. Teresa Crothers was the female winner. David Shumate and Debbie Tolleson were the Masters winners. David is disappointed that the Pine Belt Pacer web site changed its format for pictures. He misses the smart aleck comments that I used to make about him, so I will try to say something here. Before the race David told me that his favorite comment was the one about his trying to look cool; however, I told him that he needed to start either wearing a shirt or dyeing the chest hair if he wanted to look cool. Jim George and Debbie Braishier were the Grand Master winners. Lance Cooper and Elizabeth Howard were the race walk winners. The Pine Belt Pacers were well represented. Ray Henderson and Phillip Wedgeworth won their age groups. Bo Henderson came in second in his age group. Jeff Troyka won his age group in the race walk, and Gary Thornton placed in his age group. After the race we had plenty of food, fruit, and drink. There were also numerous door prizes, and I actually won one for a change. This was an extremely successful and well organized first race. Thanks to all of the race committee members and to the MTC for putting on such a quality event. © Phillip Wedgeworth | |
