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The 2009 version of the Diamondhead 5K run/walk and one mile was held on Saturday, August 15 with about 250 people participating in the various events. The weather was hot and humid--just what anyone should expect in August on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The course is an out and back with more hills than most Coast races; however, after running courses that were full of hills for the last three weeks, I found this course somewhat refreshing. We all lined up on the road and listened to Leonard's instructions. When the starting signal was given, we were very congested for the first half mile before the people began to spread out in a less congested pattern. Leonard easily won with a time of 17.46. Coming in second and winning the Masters award was Robert Scott at 18.02. Carmen Carlos was the first female finisher at 19.08. Stephanie Jones won the female Masters. David Jeffrey at age 67 won the Grand Masters with a time of 20.28. The female Grand Masters was Erika Sauer. Jim Taylor, who gave up his football career with the Packers and Saints a long time ago, was the Senior Grand Masters winner. Jim says that he has trimmed down quiet a bit since his football days so he can dedicate himself to running. The Pine Belt Pacers were represented by the Henderson family, Ray, Jennifer, and Bo, and by Phillip Wedgeworth. Ray, Bo and Phillip all placed in their age groups. Diamondhead is a delightful place to run, and this is a race that should be on more people's calendar. The people are always very nice and friendly, but the most interesting thing about this race was the wide range of people participating. The youngest runner in the 5K was 4 years old. I was impressed with him. After the race we enjoyed plenty of good food and beverages. We had sandwiches of several varieties, cookies, and fruit. The beverages consisted of water, sports drink, soft drinks, and beer. Bob Clark looked very disappointed until I showed him where the beer cooler was located. In addition to the running, the food and visiting with good people, some took advantage of the pool to cool off after the race. Much thanks to Leonard, Denise and all of the Gulf Coast Running Club. Even with Tony Mozingo's former good friend Ed Wheeler serving as president, the GCRC seems to be growing and excelling.© Phillip Wedgeworth | |
| Complete results are linked. | More Pictures |
