The Swinging Bridge 5K Run/Walk and one-mile kids run was held on Saturday, July 12 at 7:00 a.m. (yes, you read that right 7:00 a.m.) with a very good crowd. The early start was very good for the runners and at least five people from Laurel were willing to get up early and make the 7:00 start. After a few instructions from MTC race director, Jack Ward, we were off and running on this somewhat challenging out and back course. We started in front of the Court House Fitness Center in Byram and ran for about a quarter of a mile and then turned left and ran up hill for much of the course. Cory Lee was able to hold onto the lead and win with a time of 19.02. Bryan Lagg came in sixteen seconds later to take second and win the Masters. Haley Brown was the first female finisher with a 21.09. Teresea Crothers was the female Masters winner. Mark Lipking and Debbie Brasher were the Grand Masters winners. You would think that since Mark has reached 50, he would act like a mature adult, but if you look at his picture, you will know that is not true. Ike Henry and Becky Thomas were the Senior Grand Masters winners. Lawrence Clark and Monica Thompson were the race walk winners. Pine Belt Pacer young runner of the year Bo Henderson was the winner in the one-mile run. In addition to Bo the Pine Belt Pacers were well represented by Ray Henderson, Gary Thornton, and Phillip Wedgeworth who all won their age groups. Bridgett Jolly, whose new shorter hair cut has made her faster, set a PR and won her age group also.  After the race, we had plenty of fruit, cookies, doughnuts, and drink. Also there were so many door prizes that even I won something. One of the best things about this race is the showers in the Court House. It sure feels good to be able to drive home clean. Complete results. © Phillip Wedgeworth