Blueberry 5K Race Report

The twenty-fourth annual Blueberry 5K run was held in Poplarville on June 14 with about 150 people competing in the race. This is one of the hottest races that I have run in a long time, but I haven't run in the last seven weeks, so my opinion might not be a good one. After a few instructions from Steve Herring and an opening prayer, we were off and running. A group of young guys took the early lead, but veteran runner Jeff Hathorn took over and won with ease. As a matter of fact before the race started, I was talking with Terry Lawhead about Jeff's winning, and Terry asked if Jeff could beat _____, and my response was "If he wants to." Jerry White traveled down from Jackson and took second. Chad Dufrene was third. The first female finisher was Kayla Stricker. The Pine Belt Pacers were extremely well represented. In addition to the ones already mentioned, Becky Ryder, Frank Barrett, Ray Henderson and family, Bill Gaspirrini, Bobby Ray Davis, Ginny Dufrene, and Phillip Wedgeworth represented the PBPers. And all but one came home with a trophy. If I left anyone out, please forgive me or "just get over it," which is a song by the Eagles. In response to a request by Rock Earhart, according to my Garmin we ascended 257 feet and descended 270 although it seems more uphill. The organizers did a good job with one exception. The trophies were big; the blueberries were great; but the water was very hot. Several people also won nice door prizes, but if we were outdoors, is it still "door prizes"? This definitely a race to do next year. Much thanks to everyone who worked hard to make it a success.
© Phillip Wedgeworth