Friday, November 15, 2002
Friday, November 15, 2002 |
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Second New Hope 5K a successful race New Hope Baptist Church held their second annual 5K Run/Walk last Saturday. The race attracted close to 150 participants, which was an increase over last year's turnout. The course is very scneic, traveling past verdant pastures and tranquil lakes. The runners had a beautiful day with ideal temperatures and the fall foliage in full bloom. As a twist this year, the runners ran the course backwards - that is to say counterclockwise, while last year's race was run clockwise. The direction did not seem to bother the winner, Ryan Emory, who finished with a time of 15:40. This McIntosh High School and Auburn University track and cross country standout is now working on his Masters degree in business at Georgia State. he also works part time for Brooks Athletics (the shoe manufacturer) in return for sponsorship at races. This national class athlete is intraining for the 5,000 meter Olympic Trials and used the race as a training run. His Auburn teammate from Fayetteville, Eric Boykin, finished in third place with a time of 17:28. Allen McAdams of East Point captured second place with a time of 17:23. In the ladies division, major Sue Bozgoz of the U.S. Army Reserve Center at Ft. McPherson took first place honors with a time of 20:03. Bozgoz is a former member of the All Army Track Team and current member of the All Army Marathon Team. "This race is developing credibility among the serious runners in the area in only it's second year and we hope to continue to attract these types of national class athletes to our event," said race director Rich Terry. Sherri Hintz was second overall with a time of 20:52 but was awarded first place Female Master. Shannon Phillips, a local 11-year-old, finished third overall with a time of 21:27 and was awarded second place in the open division. Also, in the Men's Masters division, Dan Huntington took first place with a time of 17:54. The youngest runner was nine-year-old Caroline Evans and the oldest was 81-year-old Richie D'Zio, who is on staff at New Hope. Once again local WVFJ radio personality Sheila Richards emceed the event. There were numerous door prizes raffled off in addition to the runner's awards. Chick-fil-A donated free chicken sandwiches to the event. Terry said he hoped that the race will attract over 200 runners next year and that a Kid's Fun Run may be added.
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