The Future Leaders of Jones County's Run Through History was held on Saturday, April 23 (which just happens to be William Shakespeare's birthday; old English teachers know a lot of useless stuff). About 40 runners participated on a near perfect day for running. The course was supposed to be the same one used by the Laurel Fire Department's Toys for Tots run, but the LPD changed everyone's plans and the course was a loop of about two miles instead of the usual 5K. To make up the difference a couple of us ran the course three extra times to get our miles in.

As soon as we started, several of the Youth Challenge participants jumped out into the lead, but Bob Press took over very early into the race and won without much of a challenge from anyone. Joni Dunbar was the first female finisher. The first male and first female finishers won money, and both were very generous in donating their winnings to the history preservation committee of Laurel. Jonathan Johnson and Lee Darnell were the winners in the 12-19 age group. Ian Bergin and Jeremy Felder took honors in he 20-29 age. Chuck Gatzman and Delica Wood were the 30-39 age winners. (The future leaders obviously believe in equal rights for females and did not have separate female age groups). Keith Barrett won the 40-49 age group, and John Hill traveled all the way from Arkansas to place second. Actually John was on his way to Florida and found the race on the Pine Belt Pacer web page. Phillip Wedgeworth was the 50-59 age group winner, and Caley Hawkins was second. Jonathan Myrick, Clint Myers, Mark Hamrick, Justin Daly, Jessica Cheeks, and Jessica Boyd were the members of the Future Leaders group.

Jeff Troyka was the official time keeper and clock operator. I just wish that someone had given me the times to report. We had plenty of food and drink after the race. Fruit, donuts, biscuits, soft drinks, water, and sports drink were all available. Everyone seemed to enjoy the race and the event was a success.© Phillip Wedgeworth