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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 CrosbyPhoto:
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
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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.
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.
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!.jpg)
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..jpg)
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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!.jpg)
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:
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.
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