The First Annual Whistle Stop Festival 5K Run/Walk took place on Saturday, April 22, 2006 in downtown Waynesboro. Around 40 people ran the 5K Run and 50 participated in the 5K Walk. The weather was fine: cloudy sky and temperatures in the 60’s. The course was mainly flat and took a loop through Historical downtown, beginning and ending in Station Street.

I am so bad with names, so I will not tell you who the top runners or walkers were. Phillip will give you more detailed information on the race winners tomorrow in his race report. This is the first time I visited Waynesboro, and it was also the first time this event took place in the city. Three things quickly called my attention; first, how nice, enthusiastic, and friendly the organizers, volunteers and people from the city were; second, the size and the number of trophies given to the participants (big trophies for everyone!); and third, the amount of good-looking all-ages ladies. Really a very nice race! J

Phillip Wedgeworth and Nestor Raul Anzola represented the Pine Belt Pacers in the 5K Run. Phillip finished sixth overall and won his age group. As there was duplication of awards for the 3 overall winners and 3 top Masters, he also got the trophy as the top Masters. I placed second in the 40-49 age group and got a nice award. Since the guy who beat me in the age group was third overall, I was also supposed to receive a trophy as the second overall Masters. However, there was a mistake and the person who came third in the Masters division got my award, and the 4^th Masters finisher got the third place trophy. Anyway, maybe they will exchange their trophies in the future, and I get my award in the mail some day, hehe! – Abril Smith, a student at USM, resident in Hattiesburg and future Pine Belt Pacer placed second in her age group.