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The third annual Rush
to Brush 5K run/walk, sponsored by the Dental School in
Jackson, was held on Saturday, February 18, with over 160
runners and about 50 walkers. The weather was the biggest
problem with this year's race. When I woke up about 4:00 in
Laurel, the temperature was about 50 and there was no rain.
I decided to head to the capitol city for the race, but
before I got to Florence, the rain started to fall, and the
temperature dropped dramatically. Luckily we were able to
start the race without rain; however, some runners claimed
that a little sleet fell before we finished. All I know for
sure is that it was cold and windy. I had never before seen
a clock operator at the finish line sit in a truck and
operate the clock as runners crossed the finish.
Twenty-three year old David Sayers was able to beat last
year's winner to take first place. Mike Thrailkill, running
his slowest 5K in years, was second and took Masters honors.
Yolanda Brown ran well and was the first female finisher.
Katie Bryant was the female Masters winner. Curtis Kynerd
and Donna Lee Andrews were the Grand Masters winners. Larry
Sykes and Monica Thompson were the winners in the race walk.
The fastest Columbian living in Hattiesburg was second in
the race walk and took the Masters award. Phillip Wedgeworth
also represented the Pine Belt Pacers at this run, by
turning in his slowest time in five years, but still winning
his age group (most of the old guys were smart enough to
stay home where it was warm and dry). The Laurel area was
further represented by Jerry Guthrie, who won his age group.
This year's course was different due to construction on the
campus, but most of the hills were left in. After the race
we enjoyed cookies and tea from McAlister's. I think that
having showers and an indoor facility for the awards
ceremony are two of the better things about this race. I
found it interesting that since the race is sponsored by the
dental school, we got tooth paste in our race packets, but
we didn't get tooth brushes. Thanks to the MTC and everyone
who worked hard to make this a success. I think that having
well over 200 participants on a cold, wet day says something
about the dedication of the workers and the runners and
walkers.
Complete results
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© Phillip Wedgeworth
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