Banks Half-Marathon & Tri 2 B Tuff Challenge

Several track club members completed the Banks Half-Marathon in Jacksonville this past Sunday. The weather was unusually warm for this time of year but the runners were able to maintain a good pace from start to finish. This was mainly due to the flat course and many spectators cheering them on throughout the course. The Okefenokee Track Club members were:

Matt Gourley- 1:53
Kelli Gourley- 1:56
Don Varnadore- 2:10
Tracy Saussy- 2:16
Allen Smith-2:22
Debbie Yawn- 2:39

Several of these runners also completed the Tri 2 B Tuff Challenge. This challenge consists of three half marathons within a 3 month period. The runners that completed all three races were Kelli Gourley, Don Varnadore, and Debbie Yawn. Congratulations to all runners!

(Only picture: Allen, Debbie & Don)

Santa Run & Ride - December 16, 2008

The Okefenokee Track Club has an annual tradition of spreading the Christmas cheer by running the streets of Waycross, dressed in festive attire. Lead by Jolly Old Saint Nick, the group ran from the YMCA and headed to the mall to greet the shoppers. The true meaning of the season was evident since children of all ages, waved, shouted “Merry Christmas”, and honked horns.
Photo:
Bottom – Santa (L to R), Cheryl Monroe, Tiffany Cochran, Mary Woodruff
2nd Row – Robin Smith, Cristi Blount, Janna Summerall-Smith
3rd Row – Billy Gillis, Clay Culp, Allen Smith
Top Row – Payton Joiner, Thomas Deane, Ron Crosby

2008 YMCA Reindeer Run -Waycross

The YMCA held the second annual Reindeer Run last Saturday. It is a fund raiser for the Y and was generously supported by the community. The first female was local runner and triathlete Cheryl Monroe. The other two top awards went to Charles Strickland and Mary Woodruff, for placing first in the Masters (40+) division. The One Mile event was held on the Y track. Many youngsters enjoyed the cool brisk weather, and were awarded medals for their accomplishment.
5K results:
20:47 Tyler Flanders - 1st Age Group 15-19
21:26 Wesley Popwell - 1st Age Group 40-44
22:21 Barry Barnes - 1st Age Group 30-34
22:34 Charles Strickland - Male Masters
22:38 Ron Crosby - 1st Age Group 60-64
22:46 Cheryl Monroe - Overall Female
23:22 Kevin Barnes - 1st Age Group 35-39
24:27 Mary Woodruff - Female Masters
25:42 Mike Porter - 1st Age Group 55-59
26:22 Heather Williams - 1st Age Group 30-34
30:42 Larry Godair - 2nd Age Group 60-64
31:22 Angela Keaton
34:45 Elizabeth Monroe - 2nd Age Group 20-24
34:47 Phyllis Cochran - 1st Age Group 50-54
41:05 Rochelle Varnadore

Congratulations, Moi!

Moi Monroe was presented the 2008 YMCA "Community Service Award" for his involvement in the community, the YMCA and his church. Congratulations, Moi! You are truly an inspiration to everyone who knows you because you never do anything out of obligation. Everything you do is sincere and comes straight from your heart. We are blessed to have you as a friend!

December 6th - Three 5K's in One Day!

Dubbed the Tour De Xmas Races by local runners, four Okefenokee Track Club members went on the road to Valdosta, Tifton, and Douglas to compete in three 5K’s within 10 hours. Each of the South Georgia Cities had their annual Christmas parade and festivities, with hundreds of racers drawn to the downtown venues. The four traveling harriers are Thomas Deane, Payton Joyner, Russell Keaton, and Ron Crosby. Many other OTC members and locals participated in at least one of the three events. The largest group was at the 9th Annual Douglas Parade Run, which has become a tradition for the Waycross group.

Two local teenagers and a boomer copped top awards, with Thomas Deane taking the Overall Male trophy in Valdosta, and Matthew Garmon in Douglas, along with Ron Crosby taking the Male Master (40+) victory in Douglas.

Valdosta–Jr. Service League Jingle Bell Classic 5K:
20:14 Thomas Deane - 1st Male
20:20 Payton Joyner - 1st 15-19
22:14 Russell Keaton - 1st 30-39
23:01 Ron Crosby - 1st 60+

Tifton–Kiwanis Hometown Holiday Celebration Fun Run:
19:39 Thomas Deane – 2nd 13-20
19:53 Tyler Flanders
19:55 Payton Joyner
22:34 Russell Keaton – 2nd 31-40
23:28 Ron Crosby - 1st 51-60
29:07 Mary Trimm - 3rd 13-20

Douglas–Douglas Christmas Parade 5K Run:
20:19 Tyler Flanders
20:20 Payton Joyner
22:16 Sydney Alitarawneh
22:46 Mamoun Alitarawneh
23:23 Ron Crosby - 1st Male Master 40+
24:40 Mary Woodruff - 1st 55-59
27:54 Allen Smith
29:15 Janna Summerall-Smith - 3rd 40-49
35:12 Phyllis Cochran
TNA Troy Long - 2nd 30-39
TNA Russell Keaton - 3rd 30-39
TNA Thomas Deane
TNA Debbie Yawn
TNA Don Varnadore
TNA Larry Godair

Photo is from the Christmas Parade Run in Douglas.

Outback Steakhouse Distance Classic–Half Marathon and 6K, Jacksonville

November 27, 2008 – Thanksgiving Day – 11 track club members ran the 25th edition of this popular Half Marathon, which drew over 2000 runners. Another member was one of over 1600 in the 6K. As times reflect, we have some fast runners in our midst. But, burning calories for the later Thanksgiving Day feast was also a goal of those that braved the distances and chilly temperatures.

Half Marathon Results:
Tiffany Cochran - 1:42:42
Shawn Howell - 1:46:48
Cheryl Monroe - 1:46:49
Robin Smith - 1:49:34
Russell Keaton - 1:54:53
Mary Woodruff - 1:55:44
Kelli Gourley - 1:57:10
Clay Culp - 2:02:28
Mike Porter - 2:09:31
Don Varnadore - 2:11:39
Debbie Yawn - 2:35:15

6K (3.73 Miles) Results:
Christie Howell - 32:59

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(No photos taken day of race. Photo above taken at Y at last minute.)

2008 Fall Fitness 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run-Baxley

Baxley’s annual Fall Fitness 5K and 1 Mile Runs fell on a cold, brisk November morning. Runners thrive on temperatures in the 30’s and this prompted fast times and many awards for the Okefenokee Track Club members and other area participants.

In the 5K, the two top awards were garnered by Waycross runners, the fit and swift Matthew Garmon and Tiffany Cochran. Capturing the top Female Master trophy was Cheryl Monroe, another speedy local. The One Mile Female winner was OTC’s Sydney Alitarawneh, an up-and-coming 11 year old. Placing 4th overall was another Waycrossan, Tyler Flanders.

OTC Members' 5K Results:

Thomas Deane 20:12 2nd 15-19
Russell Keaton 20:39 1st 35-39 (Personal Record)
Tiffany Cochran 21:01 Overall Female Winner
Ron Crosby 22:04 1st 60-64
Mamoun Alitarawneh 22:36 1st 40-44
Cheryl Monroe 22:40 Overall Female Master 40+
Mary Woodruff 24:19 1st 55-59
Don Varnadore 26:20
Debbie Yawn 32:35 2nd 55-59
Phyllis Cochran 34:32 3rd 50-54

1 Mile Results:
Mamoun Alitarawneh 6:42 1st 40-49
Sydney Alitarawneh 6:50 Overall Female Winner
Russell Keaton 7:58

2008 Gobbler 5K Run/Walk

On November 15th, eight track club runners competed in the 2008 Gobbler Run 5K at Zion Hill Freewill Baptist Church in Millwood. All proceeds are being used for the needy children of the community. Results are as follows:

Thomas Deane was the Overall Male Winner (age 16) with a time of 20:12; Russell Keaton 21:48 -1st AG (39) ; Mamoun Alitarawneh 22:16 -1st AG (44); Ron Crosby 23:04 - 1st AG (60); Cheryl Monroe 23:54 - Overall Female Winner; Robin Smith 25:04 - Masters; Sydney Alitarawneh 26:17 - 1st AG (11); Phyllis Cochran 35:34 - 1st AG (52). A LARGE trophy was also awarded to the Okefenokee Track Club for the most participants in a group. Oh yea - some of the winners also won a turkey!

Pic 1: OTC Trophy; Pic 2: Thomas Deane Overall Winner

Miles for Smiles 5K Run/Walk

The Fall Fitness Miles for Smiles 5K Run/Walk took place in Douglas on November 8th. Sponsored by The Wellness Center at CRMC, this race was a benefit run. Proceeds were to benefit F.A.T.E. (Facing Autism Together Everyday). Seven track club members traveled to Douglas to participate in this worth-while benefit run. Results are as follows:

Russell Keaton 21:08; Ron Crosby 21:56; Cheryl Monroe 22:47; Robin Smith 24:07, Mary Woodruff 24:35; Allen Smith 27:50 and Janna Summerall-Smith 27:51.

IronMan Fla at Panama City Beach

Allen Smith raced the 10th aniversary of IronMan Fla, Panama City beach, Fla. on Nov. 1st, 2008. The race started at 7AM on the beach with a mass start of 2000 other competitors. He finished the 2.4 mile swim in 1:51. He completed the 112 mile bike course in 7:01 and completed the 26.2 mile run / marathon in 5:57. His finish time for this, his 4th IronMan distance race was 15:09.

Allen also raised $800 from contributors through the "Janus Charity Challenge" for the Lions Camp For the Blind at Laura Walker Park. Since he raised more than $500, Janus Corporation contributed another $100 to make the total $900.

Janna Summerall-Smith participated by life guarding the swim course at this years race. She has completed 2 IronMan distance races to include IronMan Fla 2006.

Pecan Festival Family Fun Run & 5K Food Drop

The 1st Annual Anytime Fitness Pecan Festival Family Fun Run & 5K Food Drop took place in downtown Blackshear on November 1st. All proceeds went to the Pierce County Food Pantry. (Race results not available. )

Stepping Out For Your Heart and Bear Down & Run CC 5K

On October 18th, Ron traveled to Tifton to participate in the Stepping Out For Your Heart 5K. This is a new race that drew a large crowd. Ron won his age group 60-69 with a time of 22:20. (No photo)



The Bear Down & Run Cross Country 5K in Blackshear was the same day in the afternoon. Ron along with Mary Woodruff, Kim Spivey, Mamoun & Sydney Alitarawneh, Thomas Deane & Katherine Carter competed and enjoyed the cross country course. I only have Ron's time of 23:24 winning 1st in his AG. (No one is emailing their race results! I will be happy to add them if you will email them to me!) (Photo above)

2008 Brunswick Rockin' Stewbilee

Debbie Yawn & Don Varnadore competed in the 5K Disco Race & Hustle at the Brunswick Rockin' Stewbilee on October 18th. Don's time was a 25:50. Debbie finished in 28:42 winning 2nd in her age group.

Tiffany Cochran qualifies for Boston!

Tiffany & her mom Phyllis flew to Chicago so Tiffany could run the Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 12th. She not only finished with a great time - 3:38:47 - but she qualified for Boston! To top it off, the temp was a very warm 78 degrees! Way to go Tiffany!

2008 Riverfront Run 5K

New track club member Kimberley Spivey has only been running since April after the Swamp Run. She ran the 1 mile fun run with her daughter for Blackshear Elementary & was hooked. She's already running 5K's & training for her first half marathon. Her first 5K was the Gray Ribbon Run. On October 4th, she ran a 27:38 in Albany's Riverfront Run 5K. She also raced in the Jax Children's Way 5K on September 7th, finishing with a time of 26:09.

It's great to see the school competition in our Swamp Run 1 mile fun run is not only breeding very young runners, but is also changing the lives of their parents!

Mother & Daughter Triathletes!

Cheryl Monroe competed in the Atlantic Coast Triathlon Half-Ironman (Swim 1.2 Miles / Bike 56 Miles / Run 13.1 Miles), on Saturday, October 4th, at Amelia Island. She won 1st in her age group with a time of 5:50:18.

And Elizabeth is taking after her mom! She participated the same day in the AmeliaMan Olympic Distance Triathlon at Fernandina Beach, winning 2nd in age group! Way to go, Elizabeth!

Marine Corps Half Marathon & Freedom 5K

On October 4th, 12 track club members competed in the half marathon in Jacksonville, FL. Three members (all in one family) ran in the Freedom 5K. Race resulsts are as follows:

Marine Corps Half Marathon
LeighAnne Hersey 1:42
Matt Gourley 1:49
Russell Keaton 1:54
Shawn Howell 1:56
Mary Woodruff 1:57
Kelli Gourley 2:02
Christy Howell 2:05
Don Varnadore 2:17
Scott Bryant 2:22
Allen Smith 2:24
Debbie Yawn 2:31
Sharon Vickers 3:01

Freedom 5K
Zachary Ray 33:07
Bob Ray 33:43
Danielle Ray 36:08

Vidalia Onion Sprint Triathlon

On September 20th, Cheryl Monroe & Mary Woodruff competed in the Vidalia Onion Sprint Triathlon. Cheryl won Overall Femal Master (nice plague) with a total time of 1:14. Mary won her age group (and nice medal) with a total time of 1:45. As we all know, Vidalia is very hilly,
so it was a tough course but great weather. There were over 170 participants. The tri was a fundraiser for United Way.

Jesup Project 5K/Athletes for a Cure Tri

Janna Summerall-Smith raced in the "March of Dimes Jesup Project 5K Run" on September 13th. She finished with a time of 28:43.

Allen Smith participated in the "Athletes for a Cure Triathlon", Olympic distance (.9 mile swim, 25 mile bike, 10K run), at Disney on September 20th. His finishing time was 3:26 finish. The tri was a benefit for Prostrate Cancer research/org. Allen was particularly impressed with a young girl who did the whole thing with her Mom for her dad. "Winter Vinecki is a 9-year-old triathlete competing in the most important race of her life: honoring her dad’s fight against prostate cancer."

Run for Victory 5K - St. Simons Island

Track club member Kelli Gourley traveled to SSI on September 13th to participate in the American Cancer Society Run for Victory 5K. She finished with a time of 25:17. Kelli she said "there were several people there from other running clubs that went on and on about how wonderful the Swamp Run is every year." Thanks for representing the club at this race, Kelli!

Harvest Run 2008 - September 13th

From Kevin Barnes: Thank you for a great Harvest Run 2008. Thanks to you we will be able to give more to the Mary Street Mission this year. We had a total of 189 runners in the Fun Run and the 5K. Attached is the finishing order for the 5K along with the times. I apologize that we misplaced a few finishing cards. Please let me know if your name is at the bottom and you can remember your place/time. Thanks again for a great run and we hope to see you again next year.

Harvest Run 2008
First Baptist Church Waycross

OTC'ers Race Results:

Thomas Deane 19:16; Russell Keaton 21:33; Matt Gourley 22:34; Ron Crosby 22:38; Barry Barnes 23:32; David Book 23:52; Anna Champion 24:18 (Overall Female); Mary Woodruff 24:36; Kay Cook 25:53; Mike Porter 25:55; Allen Smith 26:36; Tracy Saussy 27:35; Janna Summerall 28:22; Don Varnadore 28:46; Billy Gillis 20:32; David Osburn 30:29; Nancy Porter 37:25; Andrea Osburn 43:12. Abby Osburn, David & Andrea's daughter, ran the 1 mile.

(There were numerous trophies won by our members!)

Carrabba’s Summer Beach Run 5 Miles-Jax

Carrabba’s Summer Beach Run 5 Miles took place in Jacksonville on September 6th with a total of 1151 runners. Four OTC members were ready to race the weekend before, but because of "Fay," the race had to be rescheduled. Running on the beach is hard enough so the wind & rain would have been especially difficult! The results are as follows:

Russell Keaton 43:25, 215th 35-39 Age Group
Debbie Yawn 54:39, 387th 55-59 Age Group
Debra Perkins 1:01:32, 403rd 50-54 Age Group
Sharon Vickers 1:09:38, 465th 55-59 Age Group

Photo: (L to R) Debbie Yawn, Russell Keaton, Debra Perkins, Sharon Vickers

Farm Day 5K-Lumber City

The Farm Day 5K in Lumber City took place on September 6th with a total of 49 runners. The following OTC members also enjoyed a post-race breakfast consisting of pancakes and omelets.

Russell Keaton 20:30, won 1st his Age Group30-39; Matt Gorley (TNA); Ron Crosby 23:08, won his 1st Age Group 60+; Mary Woodruff (TNA), won 1st her Age Group 50-59.

PHOTO: (L to R) Ron Crosby, Mary Woodruff, Russell Keaton, Matt Gorley

Run for Love 5K - Tifton

The 2008 Run For Love 5K took place in Tifton on August 9th with a total of 162 runners. The following OTC members finished as follows: Ron Crosby - 22:57, won 1st in his Age Group 60-64 and Traviel Harrison - 25:03, finished 17th in his Age Group 15-19.

Help Allen help the Ga Lions Camp for the Blind

Hi there friends! As many of you know, I'm participating in IronMan, Fl on Nov. 1st in Panama City Beach, FL. IronMan is often a selfish endeavor of fitness and health considering all the time spent training and the expenses we go to training and racing these events. So... this year I have decided to try to give back to our community by participating in the Janus Charity Challenge. By doing this I can not only participate in the sport I enjoy but give to those in need as well. Please consider donating to the Ga Lions Camp For The Blind through my JCC website. This money will allow for scholarships to those kids that can't afford the camp fees as well as constribute to the quality of the camp. The camp provides swimming, horse back riding, canoeing, camping and many other enrichment activities that these kids only get through the Lions Camp. Thanks for reading and I hope you can help. Allen

Follow This Link to visit my personal web page and help me in my efforts to support Janus Charity Challenge.

4th of July Sunshine Festival 5K

Seven Okefenokee Track Members participated in the St. Simons Island Fourth of July Sunshine Festival 5k. This was the 24th year it has been hosted by the Golden Isles Track Club. A record 400+ runners participated in this event.

Front row: Anna Champion, Sharon Fulford, Mary Woodruff, Debbie Yawn. Back row: Trap Harrison, Thomas Deane, and Stephen McNally, members of the Ware County Cross Country Team.

2008 Run for the Pies

Jacksonville's Run For The Pies 5k was held June 14, and three speedsters from the Club competed in this hot and humid, downtown race. Tiffany Cochran proudly displays a pie she won by finishing in 20 minutes 40 seconds. To receive the much-coveted dessert, a female runner had to reach the tape in under 24 minutes. She was third in her age 25-29 age group. A Waresboro couple, Allen Smith and Janna Summerall-Smith were two of over 1500 runners. They finished in 26:42 and 29:55 respectively.

2008 Georgia Blueberry Festival 5K Run in Alma

Track Club members once again dominated this year's Blueberry Run. As you can see in the photos, most took home Overall & Age Group trophies. The results are as follows:

Thomas Deane 19:53
Stephen McNally 21:02
Tiffany Cochran 21:12
Russell Keaton 21:24
Mamoun Alitarawneh 22:11
Ron Crosby 22:19
Matt Gourley 23:09
Sydney Alitarawneh 25:26
Allen Smith 26:12
Jenna Fey 27:31
Janna Summerall-Smith 28:25
Brian Fey 29:15
Liz Williams 29:24
Don Varnadore 31:17
Phyllis Cochran 31:23
Danielle Ray 33:45

Zach Ray 35:08

Cordele Kiwanis Memorial Day 8K

David & Andrea Osborn competed in Cordele's Watermelon Days Festival 8K on Memorial Day (5/26/08). More than 150 runners finished and this couple made the Club proud since both won age group awards. Andrea said "it was a great run and a bit of a challenge."

1st Annual Gator Challenge 5K

The 1st Annual Gator Challenge 5K was held May 24, 2008, at WCHS's cross country course. All Okefenokee Track Club members participating won age group awards and enjoyed the off-road contest, highlighted by hills and mud.
Photo L to R:
Russell Keaton, Allen Smith, Kevin Barnes, Barry Barnes, Unknown Runner, Ron Crosby, Jennifer Stephenson, Andrea Osborn, Don Varnadore, Jenna Fey (new member)

2008 Gray Ribbon 5K Run/Walk, Blackshear

The Gray Ribbon 5K Run/Walk & 1 Mile Fun Run this morning, April 26, a benefit for the Jones Family, was a huge success! I believe Andrea Osburn said there were 229 who registered. The support of family, friends & Emmanuel Baptist Church was truly amazing! The weather was beautiful (a little warm . . . ) with plenty of sunshine & no thunderstorms as predicted. Kelly Jones came over to talk with the track club members & was very appreciative of our help & support. He was deeply humbled by the generosity of so many loving people who pulled together for him and his family.

Since we do not take away from other locals putting on races, we only have this picture for the blog of the members who showed their support this morning. There were a few other members who had to leave early & are not in the photo including Jill & Scott Bryant. If there were others not mentioned, I apologize. As far as times go, we did have many age group winners but this was a benefit run so no one is worried about having their times published.

Puppy Trot 4 Mile Race, Nashville, GA

On April 5, Nashville, GA’s Puppy Trot 4 Mile race had rain, mud, and muck, but did not dampen the spirits or deter two OTC runners from racing to swift times. Both earned age group awards. The results:
Momoun Alitarauneh 28:18 (1st 40-44 Male Age Group) and Ron Crosby 30:18 (2nd 55-59 Male Age Group).

2nd Annual Yellow Jacket 12K & 5K, Jesup

The Okefenokee Track Club represented the area well in the 2nd Annual Yellow Jacket 12K and 5K races held March 29, 2008, in Jesup. The results are:

12 K Results:
Matthew Gourley 1:03:20; Kelli Gourley 1:07:10 (1st 30-34 Female Age Group); Allen Smith 1:10:30; Janna S Smith 1:32:40 (2nd 35-39 Female Age Group)

5K Results:
Momoun Alitarauneh 21:31 (1st 40-44 Male Age Group); Russell Keaton 22:33 (1st 35-39 Male Age Group); Sydney Alitarauneh 26:18 (1st 11-14 Female Age Group)

31st annual Okefenokee Swamp Run 10K

On March 22, Easter weekend, we had the largest field of runners ever! And we thought Easter weekend would hurt our attendance! On the contrary, a record 154 finishers enjoyed the mostly cross-country course, neat T-shirts & free pancake breakfast. There were some pre-registered no-shows and 1 runner who did not finish. The weather couldn't have been more perfect!

This year's winner was 15-year-old Matthew Garmon. And he happens to be a local! Yea! Our very own Tiffany Cochran won Overall Female; Cheryl Monroe won Female Masters 40 & Over; Robin Smith won Female Grand Masters 50 & Over; Charles Strickland won Male Great-Grandmasters 60 & Over; and Mary Beth Strickland won Female Great-Grandmasters 60 & Over. Needless to say, we're proud of our track club members!

For the full list of race results, compliments of Running in the USA, go to http://www.runningintheusa.com/HostedResults/08/ga0322d.html.

Only one person sent photos to us. Most were of the 1 mile but this photo shows the 10K'ers ready to start. The other photo shows the 200+ 1 milers starting their race.

2008 Gate River Run 15K - March 8, Jax

In the 31st running, the Gate River Run’s Hart Bridge provided 12,085 runners with the sensation of being literally “swept off their feet”. Known as The Green Monster, it ominously glares at mile 8 of the 9.3 (15K) course. The climb is steep, long, and unrelenting. This year, it joined forces with the wind, and proved even more heartless, throwing competitors around with little control. Even at ground level, wind was the nemesis, with a constant in-your-face attitude, plus many were drenched at a San Marco seawall due to the white-capping St. Johns River.

2008 will be special for other reasons. This was the first time the 15K finished in the Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, AKA The Gator Bowl. The Jumbotrons allowed the runners and the supporters to see the finish line action on the giant screens.

Despite the obstacles, locals had some swift times. Especially noteworthy, Charles Strickland brought home a trophy by placing third in his age group. He is also a Gate River Run Streaker, meaning he finished all 31 events.

15K results:
Charles Strickland 1:08:24
Tiffany Cochran 1:12:16
Ron Crosby 1:13:08
Cheryl Monroe 1:14:26
Robin Smith 1:17:12
Doug Vinson 1:19:39
Moi Monroe 1:19:43
Russell Keaton 1:24:23
Mary Woodruff 1:24:24
Matt Gourley 1:25:35
Anna Champion 1:26:06
Kelli Gourley 1:30:08
Allen Smith 1:31:57
Clay Culp 1:32:10
David Cook 1:33:26
Billy Gillis 1:40:25
Roger Williams 1:42:47
Elizabeth Monroe 1:55:28
Janna Summerall-Smith 1:56:11
Phyllis Cochran ran the 5K Charity Run in a time of 33:17
Article written by Ron Crosby
Photo:
Front Row (L-R): Tiffany Cochran, Phyllis Cochran, Rochelle Varnadore, Robin Smith, Cheryl Monroe, Elizabeth Monroe, Mary Woodruff, Jill Bryant, Scott Bryant
Back Row (L-R): Clay Culp, Allen Smith, Janna Summerall-Smith, Roger Williams, Billy Gillis, Moi Monroe, Doug Vinson, Ron Crosby

Sweetheart Run 5K, February 23, 2008

Two Cochran champions competed in the Sweetheart Run in Tifton on February 23. Per Tiffany, "Do not be intimidated by mom's big trophy. She worked very hard for that prize!" That's okay Phyllis! Every runner has a couple of those "big" trophies in their showcase, so be proud of your trophy no matter what size it is! Tiffany "Precious" Cochran finished as Overall Female with a time of 21:30, while Phyllis "Proud to be a running mom" won 3rd in her age group (50-54) with a time of 33:09. You represented our club well!

26.2 With Donna - Breast Cancer Marathon

On Sunday, Feb. 17th, 9 track club members competed in the half-marathon and marathon in Jacksonville. With February being an unpredictable month weather-wise, it was unfortunate for the runners that it turned out to be 80+ degrees! Too hot for a marathon!
Half Results: Tiffany Cochran 1:45:27, Melissa Thomas 2:00:02, Mary Woodruff 2:07:44, Mary Beth Strickland 2:29:50, Debbie Yawn 2:33:03, Moi Monroe 2:15:31, Clay Culp 2:28:00
Marathon Results: Cheryl Monroe 4:00:54, Robin Smith 4:13:31
(Photo: Mary Beth, Debbie, Mary, Melissa & Tiffany)

Sidney Lanier Bridge Run 5K, Feb. 16

A large group of track club members showed up for the Brunswick 5K. A favorite & challenging race takes you over the bridge twice. Concrete & steel make it even harder on your pounding feet. Thankfully, this year, the weather cooperated. No rain or hurricane-strength winds to contend with as in years past. Just plenty of sunshine & enthusiasm. Race results are as follows:
Mamoun Alitarawneh 22:10, Charles Strickland 22:17, Tiffany Cochran 22:30, Ron Crosby 23:02, Matt Gourley 24:21, Mary Woodruff 26:19, Doug Vinson 26:30, Jim Tucker 26:51, Melissa Thomas 27:06, Sydney Alitarawneh 27:09, Mary Beth Strickland 30:50, David Osburn 32:26, Debbie Yawn 32:27, Andrea Osburn 35:39.

Walt Disney Marathon, January 13, 2008

Three track club members survived the Walt Disney Marathon held on Sunday, January 13th at 6:00 a.m.! It was very hot and humid but they lived to tell about it. This was a great experience considering it was the "first" marathon for all 3 runners. They ran through the Magic Kingdom, MGM studios, Epcot and the Animal Kingdom while giving high fives to millions of spectators including Mickey and all of the Disney folks! Their results are as follows: Tiffany Cochran finished in 3 hours, 54 minutes, 03 seconds, Cristi Blount finished with a time of 4:01:23 and Melissa Thomas finished in 4:26:09.

Photo: L-R: Tiffany Cochran, Cristi Blount, Melissa Thomas