Many area runners missed a great race on Saturday, May 13.  The Arthritis Foundation in conjunction with their local sponsors put together a very nice event.  The goody bags for registering were crammed full with a variety of items.  Unfortunately, only 35 runners and about 15 walkers partook of this event.  Maybe all the pictures of people having fun on the web site will get the attention of more people for next year.

 

Jim Coll won in a sprint finish over Richie Sumrall.  Richie is know for his strong finishing kick and Jim was pleased to be able to hold him off to the line.  Another big story was John Oliveri.  He lowered last week's 5K time by over 40 seconds!  He went out fast and stuck with the big dogs around most of the course.  (P.S., on Saturday evening John also ran a 5:48 mile at the Championship Mile event.)  Also, we had a wide age range of runners including a few high school stars.  Multi-tasking, Vicki Copeland was able to perform the duties of race director and run in the race.  Unfortunately, I heard that a few people got lost on the 5K course when course monitors left early, but the course was well marked, had cold water mid-way and was fast. 

 

The one mile walk was held in conjunction with the 5K run, so the award ceremony was efficiently held in short order.  The top awards were baskets stuffed with all kinds of goodies.  Age group awards were nice trophies.  But enough of this babble... look at all the smiles in the pictures and put this race on your calendars for next year.

 

Run for Your Life,     © Steve Ulery