Friday, November 7, 2003
Friday, November 7, 2003 |
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New Hope Harvest
Classic continues to grow “Since our first race two years ago, we have almost doubled our participation,” said race director Rich Terry. “Our volunteers make the difference because they go the extra mile to ensure the race is well planned, well organized, and executed with military precision. The race participants realize this and appreciate it. The word is spreading that we intend to continue to grow by putting on a first class event.” Two hundred runners provided testimony to the truth of his words. Under gorgeous fall skies and moderate temperatures, WVFJ radio personality Kurt Wallace sounded the starting horn that sent the runners on their way. The certified course was very scenic, meandering past tranquil lakes resplendent in their surrounding fall foliage and past verdant pastures and farms through the countryside. The runners and walkers consisted of a wide mix of folks, including the Landmark Christian School boys and girls cross-country team. They were using the race as a speed workout on their way to tomorrow’s state cross-country championships. In fact, the first runner across the line was Landmark’s Robert Jones in a time of 17:49. Close on his heels was Don Livingston in 17:58 with Eric Boykin in third at 18:02. In the women’s Open Division, Maj. Sue Bozgoz of the U.S. Army Reserve Command at Ft. McPherson took first place honors for the second year in a row in a time of 19:38. Sue is a former member of the All Army Track Team and current member of the All Army Marathon Team. Caroline Jones of Landmark (Robert’s sister) took second in 20:57 with Kristina Eden in third at 21:12. In the Men’s Masters Division, Lt. Col. Paul Harwart of Forces Command at Ft. McPherson improved on his second place finish last year by winning in 19:04. He was followed by Roger Keel in second place with a time of 20:15 and Bill Fuller in third at 20:24. In the Women’s Masters Division, Paula May cruised to a 21:16 victory with Jeanne Daprano in second at 23:26 and Mary Diedrick in third at 23:48. In addition to a beautiful trophy, each of the overall winners in the Men’s and Women’s Open and Masters Divisions received a $50 gift certificate from Smith and Davis. Other sponsors including Merlin Muffler, Runner’s World, Road ID, Gourmet Deli, the Garden Patch, T&G All Sports, Rain Forest Car Wash, and the Peachtree Flight Center provided a variety of door prizes. Complemented by free chicken biscuits, coupons, and stuffed cows from Chick-Fil-A, everyone went home a winner.
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