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Fourth Annual New Hope Harvest Classic on a roll

For the fourth consecutive year, clear blue skies and crisp fall temperatures greeted over 100 runners as they made their way along the scenic Harvest Classic 5K course, meandering past tranquil lakes resplendent in their surrounding fall foliage and among verdant pastures and farms through the countryside. The reputation of the event continues to grow as it attracts runners from throughout the metropolitan Atlanta area.

After finishing second overall in 2001, and third in 2002 and 2003, Eric Boykin, 28, finally found fulfillment this year when he cruised to first place overall with a time of 17:34. The former Auburn runner and now Newnan resident and pilot for ASA airlines, has consistently done well at this race, but it was a sweet victory this year after having served as the proverbial “bridesmaid” for the last three.

Over a minute behind in 18:42 was Don Livingston, 39, of Peachtree City. Close behind in third was Prince Whatley, 35, also of Peachtree City with a time of 18:56.

In the women’s race, it was Sue Bozgoz, 40, of Fayetteville, who claimed her third consecutive victory at this event in 20:34. She was almost a minute off her course record time from last year owing to the fact that she raced the Marine Corps Marathon as a member of the Army Marathon Team only one week prior and the Army Ten Miler the week before that.

In second was Carolyn Beauchamp, 28, of Milner, Ga. in 23:53 and third was Mandy McDeritt, 22, of Jackson, Ga.

In the Masters Division, it was Jeff Horne, 42, of Marietta in 20:06 and Rene Flaherty, 48, of Peachtree City in 24:34 who took overall honors.

With almost 100 trophies, merchandise coupons for the overall winners, and plenty of door prizes as well as free chicken biscuits and refreshments, everyone went home with something.