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. )