William Carey College
Fellowship of Christian Athletes 5K

 
On May 6th, William Carey hosted one of the best organized races I have attended.  This is my first participation in this race and I was impressed.  The registration was well organized, there were flush toilets, the course was well marked with bright green arrows, course monitors at each major turn, a police escort that actually moved between intersections blocking traffic, Gatorade stations at miles 1 and 2, and an efficient awards ceremony set up in a meeting hall where the tables had table cloths, decorations and plenty of goodies to eat.  Plus, there were some nice door prizes.  In addition to the Carey group, Keith Hilpp did a professional job manning the finish line and clocking times.  He did a self study, crash course to learn to operate the clock.  Looks like we now have a "seasoned" backup to Hollie.  Also, Dawn Smith hosted the Pine Belt Pacer propaganda table and took pictures of the event.  I say that pairing Carey and the PBP crews was a winning combination.
 
Forty-six people ran the race and Keith Hilpp will post the results.  I know that Robin Ryder won in a time of 16:58.  The course was flat with a lot of turns, and Robin's time was fast-fast-fast.  The first woman was also way ahead of me and fast-fast.  I finished 9th in 20:56.  My motivation this week was chasing down John Oliveri.  John has gotten progressively faster this year and has been posting some great times.  This was my first 5K of the year and I thought I had the speed to run him down over the distance.  However, he started out fast in the first mile and I just could not catch him.  I got close as we were going up a slight grade at the end of mile two, but as soon as the ground leveled out he picked it up and put a healthy gap between us again.  All I could do was watch him all the way to the finish line.  This was not bad because we pushed each other to some good times.
 
There has to be trouble in the Jackson household tonight!  I witnessed Charles out-sprint Audrey to the finish line in 22:56.  In this family, Audrey is the serious runner and a tough competitor.  Charles is the easy going extrovert.  I wonder what race will be the show down, run-off?
 
One last bit of advice.  Don't run the course a second time to cool down with the race winner unless you have the running credentials to do so.  I do not.  However, I needed some more miles, so I let Robin push me around a second time in 23:40!  I may get some sensation back in my legs in a couple days.
 
Run for Your Life, © Steve Ulery 

The William Carey College Fellowship of Christian Athletes held a 5K race on and around the college campus. The early race held near perfect race conditions and a good crowd turned out for this fund raising event for the college’s sister college Serampore College in India. Race Directors Jancsi Ward and Brandon Roney and all the FCA volunteers did a phenomenal job of organizing and executing this race. I applaud their efforts for putting on an exceptional event.

The Pine Belt Pacer’s were represented in this event by Robin Ryder, Richie Sumrall, Steve Ulery, Charles and Audrey Jackson, and Ashley Bailey. Pacers Jim Coll, Dawn Smith, and Keith Hilpp provided the Gran Prix support and worked the event.

This race being on the same day as the Kentucky Derby, local "odds makers" had Robin Ryder as a 1 to 1 favorite. True to form Robin dominated the race from early on and never looked back. Second place was closely contested with Christoph Schaefer out-kicking Richie Sumrall near the finish line. Three females (Danille Princiotti, Karen Tankersley, and Ronna Sandoval respectively) finished in the top seven, all with a time less than 20:15! This race drew racers from a talented pool of William Carey College Athletes.

Steve Ulery continues to impress and amaze with another great finish. Steve once again PR’d today, and if I’m not mistaken this makes the third distance Steve has PR’d this year (Marathon, 10K, and now 5K). Way to go Steve! I’m hoping to get an advance copy of Steve’s manual of training secrets. Rumor has it that Steve was even seen keeping pace with Robin Ryder after the race as they "cooled down" with another 5K.

Pacer Ashley Bailey ran well and won her age class.

Spousal warfare continued today between Audrey and Charles Jackson. Charles has been training hard trying to keep pace with Audrey, who has beaten Charles all year. Charles stalked Audrey most of the race, but used a late kick to over-take her and claim family bragging rights. If you know Audrey’s competitive spirit, I’d look for Audrey to be in back in front at the next race! Charles PR’d today, and Audrey was only 2 seconds off her 5K best.

Again, hats off to the William Carey College FCA troops for a great event. Following the race, a nice award ceremony was held with excellent door prizes and awards.

Submitted by Keith Hilpp       See Results      See Pictures    More Pictures