The 23rd annual running of Prentiss "Run For the Roses 5K Run/Walk" on April 8th, 2006 was a great success. Almost 470 participants turned out with a good mix of 5K runners (141), 5K walkers (111), 1-mile runners (152), and ¼-mile Preschool joggers (at least 60). Great weather (moderate temperatures, sunshine, and stiff tail-wind) made this a great event for everyone: runners, volunteers, and observers.

The Pine Belt Pacers were well represented. Five of the top 12 overall runners and 3 of the first nine walkers were club members. In the 5K Run, all the Pine Belt Pacers achieved their goals. Jay Keywood, Richie Sumrall, Ashley Bailey, Amy Keywod, and Becky Ryder won their respective age group. Jim Coll, Dennis Devore, Jerry Keywood, John Pendergrass, Brandy Windham, Ginny Dufrene placed in their categories. Jeff Strickland, Tony Mozingo and John Lenter also had a good race.

In the 5K Walk, Nestor Raul defended their 2005 performance winning the top Masters spot in the 5K Walk earning a huge trophy and some money in doing so. Hollie Ryder was second in his age group. We also had a guest from Pearl, MS, Elizabeth Howard, who joined the Pacers for the team competition. Elizabeth was third overall, got the top Masters trophy, and led the Pine Belt Pacers team to finish second overall in the competition behind the Port City Walkers.

As it was explained last Friday, for the competition in Prentiss, the Pacers were divided in teams of three members according to their alphabetical order. For the results and to complete 6 full teams, two former club members were also added to the PBP official roster. The Pacers were then separated as follows:

After attending a complaint about some ironman triathloners and a Boston Marathoner running together just one mile and half of the course and then disappearing in the Longleaf Trail to bike back to Hattiesburg, checking Ms Dawn Smith and Ms Dana Christensen peculiar story about the weather "being too cold and windy to run", and computing the official MTC results, we have the final PBP team classification as follows:

First Place: Runnersxpres 1:11:03 (Jeff, Richie & Brabdy)

Second Place: Runaddicts 1:12:04 (Sonny, Amy, & Joy)

Third Place: Hope We Finish 1:15:24 (Dennis, Ginny, & Joe)

Fourth Place: Starving 4 Oxygen 1:16:07 (Nestor Raul, Ashley, & Jim)

Fifth Place: Dixie Drama Kings 1:16:12 (Jerry, John, & Tony)

Thanks to all Pine Belt Pacers participants. The First Place winners will receive a copy of the bestseller book written by the well-known and illustrious duet of Tony Mozingo and John Pendergrass titled "Ironman for Dummies: 15,132 Tips to Finish an Ironman Event in 8 Hours and not to die in the Process" with introduction written by world legendary ultramarathoner Runbear Beardshall and Greek citizen and Boston Marathon guru JimKeithRobynopus Vickycopelandris.

Complete MTC Results   Longleaf Trace Event Writeup    Pacer Results

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