Heart of Mississippi

The Heart of Mississippi 5K was held on May 15, in Carthage, Mississippi
with 96 people running the 5K and 72 race walkers along with 28
one-milers. Rain fell on me from the time I got to the Smith County line
until just a few minutes before race time. I have never started a race
in the rain even though I have finished several in the rain, but I
thought that this race would be my first to start in the rain; however,
about 15 minutes before race time the rain stopped, which left us with a
hot, humid day to run this challenging course, which has several hills
in the last mile and a quarter of the race. After a prayer and a few
instructions, Jack Ward shot the starting gun, and we were off. Mark
Lipking jumped out into the early lead, but soon George Faulk passed him
and held on to win with a time of 18:03. The first female finisher was
Kristi Walksi. Mark Lipking and Beth Krapac were the Masters winners,
and Willie Powers and Deborah Grubbs took Grand Masters honors. Debbie
Cheney was the first race walker to finish the course. David Cheney (no
relation) was the first male race walker. Even though this is one of the
Mississippi Track Club's Grand Prix events, many people probably stayed
home because of the rain. After the race everyone enjoyed the
refreshments of fruit, cookies, and water. Many people won nice door
prizes ranging from free food to folding chairs to much needed
umbrellas. Thanks to everyone who worked hard to put this race on.
© Phillip Wedgeworth See Race Results