Run thru History Race Report

The Vicksburg Run Thru History 10-K Road Race was held on Saturday, March 5, 2005. The event started in the Vicksburg National Military Park at 8:30 a.m. The twenty-seventh year race saw another big turnout this year. With cool, clear conditions and an air temperature of 40 degrees, approximately 340 runners and 300 walkers ran two paved loops in the scenic battlefield, then continued around to the I-20 frontage road and ended in front of the Battlefield Inn. The race route took participants past cannons, fortifications, and trenches that have remained from the war. It was a challenging course with a lot of steep inclines and rolling hills.

A 26-year-old visitor from the Gulf Coast, Gordan Fisher of Biloxi, MS, sped off into the lead and never looked back finishing as the overall winner in 32:03. Well back in second was Terry Goodspeed crossing the line in 34:32. Rob Oates was third in 35:44. The first women finishers ran together for the first three miles until Keri White pulled away. She finished in a time of 10:34. In second place was Kristi Walski (41:40). Suzy Seeber finished in 43:08 for third. In the 5K walking event, Debbie Cheney was the overall winner in 26:53. Second and third place went to Tina Branan (30:30) and Kay Moseley (30:55) respectively. David Chaney was the top walker in the men category crossing the line in 30:45 followed by Bennett Randman (31:00) and Stephen Ellis (32:14). Montana McDaniel and Alexandra Edwards were the overall winners in the blue/gray ¾ mile fun run.

Jeff Hathorn and Nestor Raul Anzola represented the Pine Belt Pacers. Jeff was 4^th overall in the 10K race with a time of 35:55 and was the top runner in the Masters category. My race went fairly well. I finished 12^th overall in the 5K-walk event in 34:03. I had to battle to the end to win the Masters category. Second place finisher, Steve Moseley, ended just 4 second behind (34:07). Moving to the Masters group has been a challenge since there are 5 or 6 people in the category who always finish the races in a time span of less than 50 seconds (150 yards).

A post-race party at the Battlefield Inn featured oranges, bananas, hot dogs, popcorn, Coke, beer, massage, and live music entertainment by The Chill. There was plenty for everyone. The Mississippi Track Club directed the race with help from the local folks of the Vicksburg Run Thru History race committee. Thanks to the volunteers who cheerfully provided water, Powerade and encouragement to the runners. Also, thanks to the other volunteers who filled many roles associated with this successful event. © Pijume Diwesi See Complete results