2002 Run for the Roses

A MISSISSIPPI TRACK CLUB GRAND PRIX EVENT

The Run for the Roses is produced by the Jefferson Davis County Chamber with extensive community support. The race is one of Mississippi's premier road races. Last year's event attracted more than 700 entrants. The Walking Division provides awards for individual and team walkers. The One Mile Run/Walk is a favorite of local and visiting youngsters, as well as adults of all ages. Numerous awards may be earned by participants of all ages, with the primary focus being on youngsters age fifteen and under.

In addition to race activities, the Prentiss Lions Club's Arts, Crafts and Flea Market offer live entertainment, great food, live music, rides for children, exhibits and many other attractions, beginning Friday at 7:00 p.m. The area near Union Planters Bank will again be the flea market site. The activities will begin Friday evening with live music and street festivities and continue through Saturday with races and Flea Market activities.

The Longleaf Trace, a 39 mile paved trail begins in Prentiss at the Gateway to the Longleaf Trace Park and is complete to Hattiesburg. The trail portrays nature at its best as it meanders through beautiful forests, crosses live streams and passes scenic small lakes. There is no charge for trail use. It is available for runners, walkers, roller bladers, bikers and wheelchairs. The Gateway Park area was recently designated a Smoke-Free environment. An equestrian trail, running parallel to the paved trail, begins in Carson and extends 27 miles to Epley.

SARTOR’S RUN FOR THE ROSES
RACE REPORT

The March 13 Run For The Roses in Prentiss was a spectacular run for all Pine Belt Pacers participating . . . but particularly for Peach Chewning who quickly stopped her car near the starting line, left it in the middle of the street and took off running minutes after the starting gun fired. This awesome leap of energy was a marvel to behold for all bystanders. I like her style . . . pick up your race number after the run. Whatever works! You go girl!!

Many Pine Belt Pacers left before the door prizes were given. Those of us who stayed did not win one (Ann Beardshall, Nestor Anzola, Martha Ray Sartor), but those who left (Mozingo, Barrett, Ulery, maybe others) name was called. I think their potential prize was two free meals at Cowboy’s. Anzola and I were convinced that one of us had won the final prize – a trip to New Orleans. The winner was a Martha, but not me.

I noticed Ann Beardshall picked up plaques for those who didn’t stay around. She had a huge stack. I understand she is planning to charge a delivery fee.

Submitted by Martha Ray Sartor

The 19th Annual Run for the Roses took place in the morning of April 13 in Prentiss, MS. The race began under cloudy skies. The weather was nice with temperatures in the 60's and nearly no wind. More than 550 runners and walkers turned out for the run. The course followed a route through downtown streets. I particularly like this race because is one of the only events in which I can see the friendly battle between a numerous group of members of the two running clubs I belong, the Pine Belt Pacers and the Mississippi Track Club.

Chuck Engle led a field of 161 runners to win the event with a time of 16:06. He grabbed the victory by 29 second over second-place finisher, Pine Belt Pacer Jeff Hathorn (16:35). Third place went to Joseph Lackey in 16:45. Jeff Hathorn also won the Masters competition while Willie Powers obtained the Grand Masters title in 18:03.

Women's winner was Marion Geissinger crossing the finish line in 20:40. Rachael Chambless was second in 21:10. Jenny Peck from Laurel was third, 4 seconds behind Chambless (21:14). Mary Lohrenz led the Masters in 22:30 while Vicki "Power-girl" Copeland was the top Grand Masters finish in 23:26.

Debbie Cheney was the overall winner in the 5k walk in 26:40. Second place went to Angel Wofford (29:16) and third place to Amy Macon (29:49). Kirby Hendrix took the men's title in 29:13 followed by Bennett Randman (29:28) and Charles Montague (30:26). A 1-mile run/walk and a half-mile children's run accompanied the main event. Fred Hick was the overall winner in the 1-mile race in 5:16.

This year marked another great performance by the Pine Belt Pacers. In addition to the outstanding honors taken by Jeff Hathorn and Vicki Copeland, several other PBP got awards. Hence, Martha Ray Sartor, Amy Keywood, Terri Woolbright, Elmer Beardshall, John Pendergrass, Steve Ulery, Phillip Wedgeworth, Jerry Keywood, Tony Mozingo, Michael Vied, and Johnny Pearce placed in their respective age groups. Keith Barrett, Peach Chewning, Ann Beardshall, and I cheered on them! By the way, I did not get close to the top three in my category this year since Mr. President Tony Mozingo and a couple of the other 35-39 year-old guys took a shortcut through the Longleaf Trace Park (this is my "perfect" excuse for Saturday's eighth place and 23:20
performance in my category).

Finally, as everyone knows, the "ultra-race bug", severally stung our webmaster Elmer Beardshall, at the beginning of this year. He got really crazy! Believe me! He just wants to compete now in 30-miles races or longer. Since the Run for the Roses had only 5K, he decided to go biking from Prentiss to Hattiesburg back and forth 600 times immediately after the race! Mrs. Ann is still waiting for him at home :)

The Jefferson Davis County Chamber, with extensive community support organized the Run for the Roses race. We enjoyed the arts, crafts, and food at the Flea Market site after the race. The Mississippi Track Club conducted the race and did a remarkable job.

See you all in Hattiesburg, Ellisville, Wiggins, Clinton or Biloxi on Saturday! Next weekend there will probably be plenty of race reports!