The fifteenth annual Diamond Head 5K Run/Walk and one-mile fun run was held Saturday, August 19, 2006 with 141 people in the 5K and 25 one-milers braving the very hot conditions to participate in this event. This is an out and back course with more hills than most coast races. After a few instructions from race director, Leonard Vergunst, we were off on our sweltering run. Robert Scott was the overall winner with a good time of 17:44, and twelve year old Emily Bodin was the female winner. Pete Prichard and Susan Holcomb were the Masters winners, and Bill Gasparrini and Nancy Phillips were the Grand Masters winners. Phillip Wedgeworth, Ray Martin, and the fastest Columbian in Hattiesburg (Nestor Raul Anzola) represented the Pine Belt Pacers. Phillip got first in his age group, and Ray got second in his. Nestor had stomach pains and had to slow down after the first mile, but he enjoyed the refreshments after the race and recovered nicely. It is always good to travel to the coast for a race. Leonard and all of the Gulf Coast Running Club are as efficient as any group can be. The awards are good, and the after-race food and drink are great. Seeing Ed Wheeler run so well less than a year after having his heart cut open and getting a new valve job is inspiring to say the least. He needs to read Lewis Grizzard's They Took My Heart Out and Stomped That Sucker Flat. Much thanks to everyone who worked hard to make this a successful race. Complete Results. © Phillip Wedgeworth

1  Age Winners Mikie Scardino, Wayne Snow, and Ray Martin
2  An adult beverage makes Nestor smile
3.  Grand Masters Winners the lovely Nancy Phillips and Bill Gasparrini
4.  Joe enjoys a Diet Coke after the run
5.  Masters Winners Pete Prichard and Susan Holcomb
6.  Old Men Winners Dwight Hollingsworth, Mike Deaton, and Ed Wheeler
7.  Overall Winners Robert Scott and Emily Bodin
8.  Phillip Wedgeworth and Marie Brandenburg won their age groups
9.  Semi-Nakked male winning race walkers
10. Winning Female Race Walkers