The Run for the Son, which is one of the Mississippi Track Club's Grand Prix events, was held in Jackson on August 11 with a very large crowd of 341 people finishing the 5K run, 141 completing the walk, and 82 competing in the one-mile run. The weather was very hot and humid, just like it is for this race every year; and the numerous hills are still there to contend with. Tyler Kirk took the early lead and won easily by 30 seconds; however the battle for second was very close with forty-year-young Mark Thorne beating nineteen-year-old Kevin Itima by one second. Rob Oates was five seconds behind. Young Annalee Pierce was the female winner. Mark Thorne and Teresa Crothers took the Masters honors, and Cal Peters and Meredith Warf were the Grand Masters winners. Dutch Van Fleet, Nestor Anzola, and Phillip Wedgeworth represented the Pine Belt Pacers with Wedgeworth winning his age group and Anzola placing in his. After suffering through the heat, humidity, and hills,we were able to go inside the First Baptist Church's Family Life Center for air conditioned comfort and nice showers. The after race food and drink were also good. This year's race was much improved over last year's with the miles clearly marked and people calling out our times. Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make this a success. Results are linked. © Phillip Wedgeworth