2007 Santa Run Dec. 20

The weather couldn't be more perfect for Okefenokee Track Club's annual Santa Run, with Santa leading the pack on his bike. There was a good turn-out of elves & a couple of reindeer who ran along Plant Avenue waving at passers-by. Ron, Kenny & Denise want to wish each & every one of you a very Merry Christmas & wonderful New Year!

Photo: Front row: Obviously, Santa (Moi Monroe); 2nd row: Tiffany Cocharn, Mary Woodruff, Elizabeth Monroe; 3rd row: Debbie Yawn, Melissa Thomas, Cheryl Monroe, Allen Smith; 4th row: Don Varnadore, Mary Beth Strickland, Ron Crosby; 5th row: Thomas Deane, David Cahill (brand new member), Cameron Davis, Charles Strickland

2007 Jax Bank Half-Marathon, Dec. 16

Debbie Yawn & Mary Beth Strickland completed the Tri-2-Be-Tuff challenge - 3 half marathons in Oct., Nov. & Dec. We are really proud of you ladies for meeting each race head-on while facing another challenge - rain at all 3! Apparently, there were many local runners at the Jax Bank Half-Marathon on Dec. 16 but neither Debbie, Mary Beth nor Allen Smith knew of any of those runners. Hmmm . . . if there are that many runners in Waycross running a half-marathon, maybe they'll show up for our upcoming Swamp Run? Anyway, Allen finished the Jax Half with a time of 2:10:10, Mary Beth 2:16:28 and Debbie 2:21:07.

Christmas Party at Cavagnaro's Dec.13

Janna & Allen

Cheryl & Moi
Robin & Clay Kenny & Doug Cheryl & Don

Charles & Debbie Denise & Ron

Christmas Parade 5K Run - Douglas

(No race results because no response. Sorry!)

2007 IronMan 70.3 World Championships

Allen Smith competed in the IronMan 70.3 World Championships in Clearwater Beach, FL on 11/10/07. It was an international festival with 52 countries present. He finished in 6:40:24, which consisted of a 1.2 mile swim in the Gulf Of Mexico (51:07), T1... 5:06; 56 mile bike (3:12:24), T2... 5:24; 13.2 mile run (2:26:23). Per Allen, "The day was cool but windy and hillier than you would think in Clearwater, St. Pete. The causeway bridge going and coming back was like the Hart in jax. We crossed it twice on the bike and 4 times on the 2 loop run."

2007 Outback Distance Classic Half Marathon Thanksgiving Day

OTC members got up early Thanksgiving morning to drive to Jax & run in the Outback Half Marathon. Once again it rained on the group but there were no complaints. For some of these runners, it was their first half! Unfortunately, there was only one photo that did not include all those who ran but their results are listed below:

Tiffany Cochran 1:42, Cristi Blount 1:45, Robin Smith 1:50, Cheryl Monroe 1:52, Melissa Thomas 1:56, Moi Monroe 2:01, Mary Beth Strickland 2:14, Clay Culp 2:16, & Debbie Yawn 2:20.

(Photo: OTC members Melissa, Tiffany & Cristi)

2007 Fall Fitness 5K Run

OTC members attended Baxley’s annual Fall Fitness Run 5K and 1 Mile on November 17. There were 162 participants in the 5K and 249 in the 1 Mile. Every year this even brings chilly temperatures but it never hinders a large attendance. While some of our runners brought home trophies, Robin also took home a “crown” in celebration of her 50th birthday the following Sunday, placing her in a new age come her next race. Robin is shown wearing her “crown” while receiving her trophy. Race results for the 5K are as follows:

Ron Crosby – 2nd in Age Group 55-59 time of 21:40
Cheryl Monroe – Overall Female Masters – time of 22:53
Robin Smith – 1st in Age Group 45-49 – time of 23:19
Phyllis Cochran – 3rd in Age Group 50-54 – time of 33:10
Jill Steptoe – 1st in Age Group 30-34 – time of 35:04
Heather Harper – 2nd in Age Group 30-34 – time of 35:09
Heather Collins – 1st in Age Group 20-24 – time of 38:29

OTC's Cochran stuffs all competition at Gobbler 5K

Okefenokee Track Club runner Tiffany Cochran sliced up all the competition and took first place overall at Zion Hill Freewill Baptist's Gobbler 5k, held last Saturday evening in Millwood. She edged out fellow club harrier Ken McQuaig by 10 seconds. All OTC runners took first place in their age group or catergory. The 65 participants enjoyed the fall chill, running on scenic dirt roads, and the food and hospitality provided by the church. Proceeds go to needy children of the community and Race Directors, Tanya Peavey and Angie Simmons, praised the numerous sponsors and community for the support. (by Ron Crosby)

5 K RESULTS:
Tiffany Cochran 21:07 1st Place Overall
Ken McQuaig 21:27 1st Male
Mamoun Alitarawneh 21:42 1st Male Master (over 40)
Ron Crosby 22:17 1st Male Grandmaster (over 50)
Cheryl Monroe 23:37 1st Female Master (over 40)
Randy Dean 24:29 1st Male (30-34)
David Osburn 27:52 1st Male (35-39)
Phyllis Cochran 32:41 1st Female Grandmaster (over 50)
Andrea Osburn 34:07 1st Female (30-34)

1/2 MILE RESULTS:
Sydney Alitarawneh 24:32

Chasing a pig in a cemetary? Hmmmm. . .

Not really! One OTC member ran through the Evergreen Cemetary in Jacksonville, FL, while others chased a pig in Douglas, GA. Melissa Thomas competed in the Evergreen Pumpkin Run in Jax on Oct. 28. The event consisted of a 5K & 10-miler. Melissa chose to run the 10-miler finishing with a time of 1:28:22.

Three other members raced in the 9th Annual Chasing the Pig 5K Run in Douglas on Nov. 3. Mamoun Alitarawneh finished in 21:25, Ron Crosby 21:30 and Phyllis Cochran 32:32. Afterwards, Ron joined family members downtown, his first visit to the area's National BBQ Festival, where he enjoyed, of course, an excellent BBQ sandwich from one of the 70+ vendors.

Come Smell the Coffee 5K Run

Ron Crosby participated in the 12th annual Come Smell the Coffee 5K Run at General John Coffee State Park in Douglas on Oct. 13. Ron finished 1st in his age group with a time of 22:44. He is photographed with his brother Larry, nephew Cliff & Cliff's wife Shonda.

Jax Marine Corp Half-Marathon

On October 6, six track club members raced in the Jax Marine Corp Half-Marathon. Though it stormed during the event & they were pretty soaked when they finished, they still finished strong.
Tiffany Cochran - 1:50; Cristi Blount - 1:53; Melissa Thomas - 1:59; Mary Beth Strickland - 2:16; Allen Smith - 2:24; & Debbie Yawn - 2:38.

2007 Honeybee Festival Bike Metric Century

On Saturday, October 6, several members of the track club & Satilla Cycling Club participated in a Metric Century (62 miles) bike ride during the annual 2007 Honeybee Festival. Partially made famous by Ray Steven’s “Shriners Convention”, Hahira, Georgia hosts this event, which drew thousands to partake of the food, shop for arts and crafts, and enjoy the entertainment.

The bike tour took the riders through Lakeland, the City of Murals, which depict the early life in Lanier County. The next stop was to the Nashville, the City of Dogwoods, and beautiful Berrien County. Then to Adel in Cook County, the home of scenic Reed Bingham State Park. And finally, back to Hahira and the welcoming throngs of supporters, including the Illustrious Potentate, Coy, Bubba, and the whole delegation. (by Ron Crosby)

Photo: Cheryl & Moi Monroe, Doug Vinson, Ron Crosby, Clay Culp & Robin Smith

"Escape to Miami" Olympic Triathlon

"Escape to Miami" Olympic Triathlon took place on Sept. 23, 2007. Track club members Allen Smith finished in 3 hours 44 minutes with Janna Summerall on his heels (almost) with a time of 4 hours 6 minutes. Great job, guys!

2007 Walt Disney Triathlon

Cheryl Monroe competed in the Walt Disney Triathlon on Sept. 23rd. Out of 1800 participants, she placed 1st in her age group with a time of 3:26. The tri consisted of a 1 mile swim, 35 mile bike, 6.2 run. Way to go, Cheryl!

2007 Harvest Run, Downtown Waycross

Eighteen track club members were among 110 runners who showed up to support the 1st annual Harvest Run 5K in downtown Waycross on Sept. 15. In order of placement, they are: Tiffany Cochran 19:54 (overall female); Mamoun Alitarawuel 19:57; Cheryl Monroe 21:43 (Women's Masters); Anna Champion 22:43; Randy Dean 22:54; Robin Smith 22:57; Melissa Thomas 23:46 (2nd in AG); Moi Monroe 23:47 (2nd in AG); Allen Smith 23:48; Sydney Alitarawuel 24:02; Mike Porter 24:30 (1st in AG); Leah Dean 24:42; Clay Culp 27:17; Lisa Batten 28:51; Jennifer Peagler 29:02; Phyllis Cochran 30:45; Don Varnadore 32:43; Betsy Carbaugh 33:03; Jan Spikes 40:24.

2007 Summer Beaches 5 Mile Run in Jax

Russell Keaton ran the Summer Beaches 5 Mile Run at Jax Beach on Sept. 15. He said there were about 2,000 runners in this one, the most since 1982. Former OTC member Troy Long tagged along with Scott Bryant. They finished with a time of 52:47.

Lumber City Farm Day 5K Race

OTC members raced September 8 in Lumber City, Georgia. Melissa Thomas placed 1st in her age group 25-29 with a time of 25:09. Ron Crosby placed 2nd in his age group 55-59 with a time of 22:06.

Hammerhead Olympic Triathlon "The Hot"

On August 25, the Monroes competed in the Hammerhead Olympic Triathlon at Camp Blanding, FL. Cheryl finished with a time of 2:54:46, winning 1st in her age group & Moi finished with a time of 3:14:31.

Allen Smith competes in 2 more triathalons!

On Aug. 18, Allen competed in the Georgia Veterans Tri in Cordele. He finished with a time of 1:23, and was 5th out of 9 in his age group. He also completed the Inaugural Winnersville Tri in Valdosta on Sept. 8. He won 3rd in his age group with a time of 1:33.

JAX Sprint Series at Little Talbot Island, FL

Four track club members competed in The JAX Sprint Series (3 races at Little Talbot Island, FL) took place on June 23, July 7 & August 11:
Cheryl Monroe-1st in age group for all 3 races and for the series
Robin Smith- 3rd in age group for the series
Elizabeth Monroe- 2nd in age group for the series
Moi Monroe- 3rd in age group for the series

OTC Members Dominate 33rd Annual Georgia Blueberry Festival 5K on June 2nd

Couch-to-5K Women (New OTC Members):
Cheryl Monroe (coach) - 23:04 - Female Masters
Melissa Thomas - 24:42 - 1st in Age Group 25-29
Heather Williams - 24:51 - 2nd in Age Group 25-29
Leah Dean - 25:42 - 1st in Age Group 30-34
Jill Sloan (coach) - 30:00 - 3rd in Age Group 30-34
Jennifer Peagler - 30:21 - 3rd in Age Group 25-29
April Carter - 30:34 - 2nd in Age Group 35-39
Heather Valerio - 30:44
Tee Weekley - 31:05 - 1st in Age Group 40-44
Phyllis Cochran - 31:31 - Female Grandmasters
Elizabeth Monroe - 32:05 - 1st in Age Group 15-19
Lisa Batten - 32:14
Kathie Hoaglin - 32:47 - 2nd in Age Group 45-49
Alison Davis - 33:32
Jill Steptoe - 35:03
Betsy Carbaugh - 35:19
Tammy Welch - 36:06
Heather Harper - 36:31
Heather Collins - 37:12 - 1st in Age Group 20-24
Dana Morgan - 38:09 - 2nd in Age Group 20-24
Wendy Williford - 38:11
Kara Corley - 38:28 - 3rd in Age Group 20-24
Ramona Thrift - 38:29
Vickie Corbin - 38:40 - 2nd in Age Group 40-44
Lisa Grantham - 38:49
Jan Spikes - 41:48 - 1st in Age Group 50-54

Other OTC runners:
Robin Smith - 23:52 - 1st in Age Group 45-49
Jim Tucker - 24:12 - 2nd in Age Group 35-39

Sunshine Festival 4th of July 5K

The 2007 Sunshine Festival 4th of July 5K Run at SSI boasted of its largest field yet - 44o runners! Though it's always hot & muggy, the popular 5K draws more participants every year. Our very own track club members never fail to bring home awards, which always coincide with the St. Simons's lighthouse.

Ron Crosby - 21:50 - 1st in AG 55-59
Heather Williams - 23:36 - 4th in AG 25-29
Anna Champion - 24:04 - 2nd in AG 20-24
Randy Dean - 24:14 - 14th in AG 30-34
Leah Dean - 25:28 - 2nd in AG 30-34
Mary Strickland - 26:52 - 2nd in AG 60-64
Sharon Vickers - 35:32 - 9th in AG 55-59

Debbie Yawn - (time not available)

Photo: (*Denotes OTC members)
Front Row L-R: Tyler Flanders, Brittany Mixon, Brian Dyson, (Heather’s daughter), *Mary Beth Strickland, *Leah Dean, Thomas Deane
Back Row L-R: Melinda Gillis, *Anna Champion, *Ron Crosby, *Sharon Vickers, *Heather Williams, Jack Harris, *Randy Dean, Reuben Flanders

2nd Annual Spirit Of Liberty 5K Run

Once again, OTC members dominate another out-of-town race & take trophies home! The 2nd Annual Spirit Of Liberty 5K Run was held on June 30 in conjunction with Patterson's "Georgia's Spirit of Liberty Celebration."

Tiffany Cochran - 21:54 - Overall Female
Ron Crosby - 22:56 - 1st in AG 55-59
Heather Williams - 24:21
Randy Dean - 25:06
Leah Dean - 25:13 - 1st in AG 30-34
Phyllis Cochran - 32:09 - Female Masters
Kara Corley - 37:52

Carol Allen (Not available)

Photo: (*Denotes OTC members)

Kneeling L to R:

Dana Brown, *Carol Allen, *Kara Corley, Jenna Corley, *Tiffany Cochran, *Phyllis Cochran, Gina Howell (Children-Hannah Simmons & Culley Peavy)

Standing L to R:

Brittany Allen, Jason Lucas, Charlie Moore, Micky & Angie Simmons, Jack Harris, Tonya Peavy, *Leah Dean, Randy Dean, *Heather Williams, *Ron Crosby

Buffalo Springs IronMan 70.3

Allen Smith competed in the Buffalo Springs IronMan 70.3 in Lubbock, TX on June 24, 2007. Though he was ill before the event started, he still qualified for the IronMan 70.3 World Championship slot in Clearwater, FL in November. Janna signed up for the Tri Raider Sprint that began shortly after the Half IronMan/Ironman 70.3 start. Allen said "she did well." To understand how difficult this IronMan was, he invites you to check out the course at http://www.buffalospringslaketriathlon.com/bslt/elev_map.htm

Run for the Pies 5K, Jacksonville Landing

Janna Summerall & Allen Smith participated in the 29th Annual Run for the Pies 5K in Jacksonville on June 16. This was a popular race among the track club members, mostly because it was a night race. However, an evening race in Florida or even in South Georgia doesn't make it any cooler! It's always hot & muggy! This is Jacksonville's largest and most unique 5K because runners compete for pies, averaging around 1,000 runners. The race is followed by a big post-race party at the Jacksonville Landing. Janna finished in 32 minutes. Allen finished with a time of 26:08. (Photo is from a camera)

Rock and Roll Sprint Triathlon 2007

Allen Smith and Janna Summerall participated in the Rock and Roll Sprint Triathlon in Macon on June 3rd. The event was a 750 meter swim, 15 mile bike & 5K run. Allen finished in 1:47 placing 8 out of 13 in his age group. He wasn't happy with his bike - his chain fell off around mile 10. Janna completed the course with a time of 2:09. She, too, was "bummed out" but admitted she had limited training. She considered the sprint more of a "training" run due to the challenging rolling hills. To get an idea of how tough the course is go to http://www.setupevents.com/files/Rock_N_Roll_Sprint_Web_Binder.pdf.

Race Results for April & May

On May 12, 2007, four local triathletes joined over 1200 competitors in the 2007 Gulf Coast Triathlon, at Panama City Beach, Florida. Their winter and spring dedicated training has paid off since this grueling event comprises a 1.2 mile Gulf of Mexico swim, followed by a 56 mile bike, and concluded with a half marathon (13.1 miles).

Cheryl Monroe - 7th in 50-55 AG with a time of 5:43:57
Jason Rogers - 130th in 35-39 AG with a time of 5:46:26
Moi Monroe - 52nd in 50-55 AG with a time of 6:56:27
Allen Smith - 53rd in 50-55 AG with a time of 7:03:53
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Moi & Cheryl Monroe, Allen Smith and Janna Summerall participated in Jekyll Island’s 3rd Annual Turtle Crawl Olympic Distance Triathlon on May 5. The Triathlon, featuring a 1.5 km. swim, 40 km. bike and a 10 km. run spans the entire island providing competitors a natural landscape, much of which remains in an undeveloped state. Proceeds from the event benefit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, a $2.6 million Sea Turtle Rehabilitation center, set to open on Jekyll Island this summer.
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On April 28, Mary Woodruff competed in the 30th Vidalia Onion Festival 10K. She finished 1st in her age group with a time of 50:00. Considering how hilly Vidalia is with no hills in Waycross in which to train – great job, Mary! The field for this year’s event consisted of 1600 runners in the 10K, 5K and 1 mile fun run.
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Sue Welch and Kay Cook ran the 2007 5K Darien River Run on April 21st. Sue finished 1st in her age group with a time of 27:15. Kay finished strong winning 2nd in her age group with a time of 25:48, an outstanding finish for her very first road race. The race was part of Darien's 39th Annual Blessing of the Fleet Festival.

(No photos available)

OTC Ladies Conquer 111th Boston Marathon

On April 16, 2007, Cheryl Monroe & Robin Smith participated in one of the worst weather situations for the Boston Marathon. The 26.2 mile course was flooded by the 24-hour rains that preceded the event. Though they bagged their feet & even changed shoes at the start, they were still pretty soaked. Despite the cold temps of 45-degrees, along with intermittent rain (after the start) & strong (50-mph) "in-your-face gusts," quoted by Robin, they endured to the end with no regrets. Cheryl completed her 2nd Boston with a time of 3 hrs. 56 min. 41 sec., the same exact time she finished when she ran Boston in 2000. Robin, close behind, finished her very 1st Boston Marathon with a time of 4:01:50. All of the members of the Okefenokee Track Club would like to congratulate you both for a very memorable Boston Marathon!