The 2007 St. Patrick's Day run was held on Saturday, March 17 with 565 people running/walking the 5K and one-mile run. This was the largest crowd that I have witnessed at one of these races. The weather was near perfect with temperatures in the low 40s, and the wind held off until after the race. In years past, we have had cold weather and/or rain. We all lined up on State Street and Jack Ward gave us the instructions, which included how to avoid breathing the grease from the food vendors. Tyler Kirk from Virginia took the early lead and was able to hold off Mike Thrailkill to take the win. Kirk ran an impressive 16.53 on a crowded course. Mike Thrailkill was second and took the Masters award. It seems like every year the Mississippi Track Club has a very promising young female runner, and this year it is Annalee Pierce, who was the female winner with a time of 19.45. Buddy Pierce, who is the happiest man in Mississippi to turn 50, took the Grand Masters--something he has been doing regularly since his birthday. Teresa Crothers and Dona Andrews were the Masters and Grand Masters winners. The Pine Belt Pacers were represented with Phillip Wedgeworth, who placed second in his age group, and Chuck Gatzman, who ran well. After the race we enjoyed plenty of good food and drink (all soft. For the Green Beer on St. Paddy's Day, one must run at the Biloxi race.) The fastest Colombian in Hattiesburg must be in Colombia or MIA since he was not at this race. Thanks to the MTC for another great Grand Prix event. Results are linked.
 

Picture 1 Race Shirt   

Picture 2 Overall Female Winner Annalee Pierce
Picture 3 Masters Winners Teresa Crothers and Mike Thrailkill
Picture 4 Grand Masters Winners Dona Andrews and Buddy Pierce
Picture 5 Senior Grand Masters Winner Lamar Rutledge
Picture 6 Race Walk Winners Tina Brannon and David Smalley
Picture 7 Masters Race Walkers Elizabeth Howard and Fred Grant
Picture 8 Grand Master Race Walker Charlie Montague
Picture 9 Senior Grand Master Race Walker Donna Gonzales
Picture 10 Corporate Team Winners
Picture 11 One Mile Winners Denise Powell and Ty Faulkner
Picture 12 James Johnson and Mark Lipking
Picture 13 Old Men Winners Carlos Prevost, Phillip Wedgeworth, and Curtis Kynerd
Picture 14 Bill Barnett and Rocky Madden (?)
Picture 15 Three Ugly, Old Guys
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