Band of Braves 5K

The fourth annual South Jones Band of Braves 5K run/walk was held in Ellisville on September 11 with forty people participating. This was the best weather in the short history of this race, but the hills were still present and were still tough to climb. After a prayer by Howard Patrick, the Mayor of Ellisville, Tim Waldrip started the race. Robin Ryder shot out into the early lead and never looked back as he easily won with a blistering time of 16:42. Jim Coll was second and the Masters winner Richie Sumrall was third. Phillip Wedgeworth was the Grand Masters winner. Vicki Copeland added to her list of victories by being the first female finisher. Terri Hilbun was the female Masters winner and Becky Ryder added to the family tradition by winning the Grand Masters female award. Larry Sykes traveled from Brandon to win the walk for the third year in a row. Johnny Bradley beat out his son-in-law to take second. Michael Dunehew was the third race walker to finish. Unfortunately all of the female walkers stayed home today. This is an extremely well-run race by the band parents at South Jones High School. The after-race food was as good as it gets at a 5K and better than some marathons. We had Subway sandwiches, cookies, doughnuts, fruit, and plenty to drink. The door prizes were great with one person going home with a new mountain bike. Mark your schedules to come out and support this race next year. Much thanks to all of the hard-working people who make this race a success. See Laurel Leader Call article.

The registration table