On a beautiful autumn day made for fast times, Connie Robertson, 43, of Hapeville, set a new women’s course record at the 5th Annual New Hope Harvest Classic in Fayetteville. She took 28 seconds off the record set by Sue Bozgoz two years ago with her time of 19:10. Connie placed fifth overall followed by Jane Bryan, 42, of Manchester in 22:32 who took first in the women’s Master’s division. In a first ever for this race, the mother-daughter team of Angela Bowie, 38, and Aneisha Bowie, 16, both from Decatur, took second and third respectively in the women’s Open Division. Their times were 23:03 and 23:18.

In the men’s race, it was Eric Boykin, 29, of Fayetteville, who claimed his second consecutive victory in all five times at this event with a time of 16:56. This was also the second fastest time ever on this course. In second was Thomas Setser, 26, of San Diego, Calif., in 17:28 and third was John Van Steenbergh, 39, of Buford. It was Setser’s lucky day as he was also the winner of the grand prize drawing of two free Air Tran tickets.

In the Masters Division, it was Anita Jackson, 31, of Griffin, behind Jane Bryan for second with a time of 23:53. Master’s National and World record sprinter Jeanne Daprano, 69, of Fayetteville, decided to go out for a longer workout that day in 26:07, which was good for third.

In the Men’s Master’s Division, David Partington, 45, of Fayetteville, was first in 18:40, followed by Mark Hamilton, 41, of Peachtree City in 19:26, and Bill Wright, 51, of Hoteville, Ariz. in 20:16.

One hundred and twenty runners turned out for the event whose course meanders past tranquil lakes resplendent in their surrounding fall foliage and along verdant pastures and farms through the countryside. Plentiful door prizes and refreshments make this a popular race among the locals. But the word is getting out and runners are now coming from across the country.

“We are always looking for ways to improve this race and we plan to continue that trend next year as well,” said race director Rich Terry.

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