First Annual Leakesville Run-4-Pride

The first ever Run-4-Pride 4K (that is right 4, not 5) was held in Leakesville, Mississippi on June 24 at 7:30 a.m, which is when all races should start. About 40 people showed up to run this race, and the Pine Belt Pacers were well represented. Before the race, I joked with Joe Rolison, the race director, about the outcome being predestined since Joe is the pastor at The Presbyterian Church in Leakesville. He agreed, but he claimed that we didn't know all of the details so we would have to run the race. After a few instructions, we were off on our 4K race, which is a distance that none of had run before. We ran a half mile through a graveyard, which seemed a little ironic considering the extreme heat we had. Joni Dunbar wasn't bothered by the heat, and she was the first finisher. Phillip Wedgeworth was second (all of the fast guys stayed home). Audrey Jackson felt generous and let Charles beat her by about a minute. Nestor was present and he took several pictures which should be added soon. After the race we had a nice airconditioned building for the awards and after-race food. We had fruit, cookies, nuts (not just the runners), and sports drink and water. The race provided many door prizes, but Chuck Gartzman's purse may have been the best. Thanks to Joe and all of the people who worked hard to put this race. We will be back next year.
© Phillip Wedgeworth 
The First Annual Leakesville Run-4-Pride took place in Leakesville on Saturday June 24.  The 2.5-miles course followed a scenic route through the local cemetery and some streets from downtown Leakesville.  Around 30-35 people gathered at the city Community Center to start the race at 7:30am and under hot and humid  conditions.  Once the gun went off Phillips Wedgeworth took an early lead followed by Mike Boyd and Nestor Raul Anzola.  After one block Mr. Anzola realized he did not have legs to keep the leading pace and slowed down.  Then Joni Dunbar, Audrey and Charles Jackson, and Chuck Garzman passed him after a quarter of mile.  Joni accelerated away from the other runners and soon caught Phillips and Mike.  She got control of the race and finished first overall in a time of 16:39 (I think!).  Phillips finished second, Mike third, and in fourth position... came one of the Jacksons.  Which one? Yeah, Charlie beat Audrey and finished strong in 18:14.  By the way, if he had kept that pace and the course had been a 5K run, he would have gotten a PR for sure (estimated time: 22:52).  Audrey finished fifth overall followed by Chuck and Nestor Raul far behind (19:14).  Phillips is gathering the official results from the organizers.  
 

The Pine Belt Pacers were very well represented by the small group who traveled to the race.  In addition to the first overall place female and male gotten by Joni and Phillip, Charlie, Audrey, and Adrienne Hicks won their age groups and Nestor Raul placed second in his.  We also got some of the numerous door prizes that were donated by the Leakesville folks.  Thanks to the organizers for a well organized race.  The proceeds from the race will bolster the efforts of the Town Beautification Committee.© Pijume Diwesi

 

 
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8
OVERALL WINNER: Joni Dunbar, 33, F, 16:51
OVERALL MALE WINNER: (you know this guy, I think!) Phillip Wedgeworth, 54, M, 17:30

MALE 10-19: 1. Eric Crocker, 17, 19:21
                    2. Cody Prewitt, 13, 22:38

FEMALE 20-29 1. Adrienne Hicks, 28, 27:35

FEMALE 30-39: Joni Dunbar, 33, 16:61

MALE 30-39: 1. Mike Boyd, 32, 18:17
                    2. Chuck Gatzman, 31, 19:11

FEMALE 40-49  1. Audrey Jackson, 45, 18:38
                        2. Gayla Pierce, 40, 39:02
                        3. Brenda Sutherland, 42, 39:03

MALE 40-49: 1. Charles Jackson, 44, 18:14
                    2. Nestor Raul Anzola, 41, 19:14
                    3. Ron King, 45, 19:31
                    4. Shannon Stephens, 44, 22:29
                    5. Ed Crocker, 44, 25:22
                    6. Randy Pierce, 42, 39:07

FEMALE 50-59: 1. Terry Fleming, 51, 39:13

MALE 50-59: 1. Phillip Wedgeworth, 54, 17:33
                    2. Randy Kimbrough, 52, 21:49
                    3. Bernie Toothaker, 56, 37:03

FEMALE 60-69: 1. Peggy Black, 64, 25:34
                         2. Lavern Fillare, 61, 26:01
                         3. Mary Sue Rounsaville, 64, 39:18
                         4. Sally Rounsaville, 67, 44:09

MALE 60-69: 1. Will Wright, 68, 19:35

MALE 70-79: Bill Rounsaville, 70, 39:18