Day in the Park 5K

The thirty-second Laurel Day in the Park race was held on Saturday, May 1, with over 100 people participating in the 5K and one-mile fun run. The Laurel Arts League puts this race on every year with the help of Bill McMullan, who shows up and directs the race. After a few instructions from Bill and a prayer by the Reverend Stan Runnells, Mayor Susan Vincent gave the signal to start the race. Several young runners took off fast, but they soon gave out of gas. Since there were four other races in the general area, none of the fast guys came to Laurel,
and Phillip Wedgeworth was able to take the lead and hold on to win the race. Jim Cegielski came in second. Before the race several of us reminded Jim of a few years ago when he had to be put in an ambulance and taken care of by his wife Dr. Carolyn, so Jim didn't run as hard today. Deleica Wood was the first female finisher. Jim Cegielski and Antha Estridge were the Masters winners. Richard Sims won his age group, as did Tommy Buckley and Chuck Gatzman. Holding on to the trend in many races, runners over forty (very young people) made up many of the more serious runners. This race has a lot of tradition with numerous families participating. Five Marcellinos ran, several Armours ran, and a few Martins also ran. Mike Maslanka returned to Laurel to run in his twenty-seventh Day in the Park race. David Parker, now an eye doctor in Yazoo City, came home to run. We also had Dennis Wargel from Meridian who skipped a race in his hometown to return to his old home for the run. Much thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make this race a success, and thanks to the Laurel Arts League for putting the Day in the Park on every year. See Results.
© Phillip Wedgeworth See race article in the Laurel Leader Call

Bill McMullan gives some instructions before the race