Run for the Roses 5K

            Prentiss, Mississippi- Near perfect weather greeted the runners and walkers Saturday at the Prentiss Gateway to the Longleaf.  The historic city, which last year celebrated its 100^th birthday, was actually platted as a town after the Mississippi Central Railroad, now the Longleaf Trace, was completed through the area.  The 5K course winds through a residential area in the first mile, a long stretch of highway in the second, and back into downtown in the third, finishing on Main Street near the Gateway. 

After the race, runners and walkers enjoyed all manner of refreshments from the usual fruits and sports drinks to hot dogs, pork sandwich “nuggets”,  kielbasa, and elephant ears at the festival nearby. 

Several running clubs participated in the runs. The Mississippi Track Club from Jackson manned the event and did their usual outstanding job. The Pine Belt Pacers had a booth to recruit new members and had lots of folks participating. Below is an excerpt from their race report: (see entire write-up on the Pine Belt Pacer web site)

Race Report: The 23rd annual running of Prentiss "Run For the Roses 5K Run/Walk" on April 8th, 2006 was a great success. Almost 470 participants turned out with a good mix of 5K runners (141), 5K walkers (111), 1-mile runners (152), and ¼-mile Preschool joggers (at least 60). Great weather (moderate temperatures, sunshine, and stiff tail-wind) made this a great event for everyone: runners, volunteers, and observers.

Micah Ray won the 5K Run in 17:02 followed by Robert Van Udent (17:40) and Miles Martin (18:00). The overall female winner was Kristi Hall who finished in 20:14, 26 seconds ahead of Yolanda Brown (20:40). Donna Lee Andrew was third in 21:33. Tina Branan was the fastest race-walker in the event finishing the 5K in 33:33. David Chaney, the top male, finished two seconds behind Tina.

The Pine Belt Pacers were well represented. Five of the top 12 overall runners and 3 of the first nine walkers were club members. In the 5K Run, all the Pine Belt Pacers achieved their goals. Jay Keywood, Richie Sumrall, Ashley Bailey, Amy Keywod, and Becky Ryder won their respective age group. Jim Coll, Dennis Devore, Jerry Keywood, John Pendergrass, Brandy Windham, Ginny Dufrene placed in their categories. Jeff Strickland, Tony Mozingo and John Lenter also had a good race.

In the 5K Walk, Nestor Raul defended their 2005 performance winning the top Masters spot in the 5K Walk earning a huge trophy and some money in doing so. Hollie Ryder was second in his age group. We also had a guest from Pearl, MS, Elizabeth Howard, who joined the Pacers for the team competition. Elizabeth was third overall, got the top Masters trophy, and led the Pine Belt Pacers team to finish second overall in the competition behind the Port City Walkers.