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Once again a gorgeous day dawned over the
Tennessee River and the Calhouns New Year's Day 5K, staged by the
Knoxville Track Club. |
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Calhouns, home of the best ribs in America,
was our gracious host and sponsor. |
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The relatively late starting time of 9:30
allowed revelers to sleep in a little bit and still get signed up for
the race. |
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Soon over four hundred runners were
assembled on Neyland Drive to set out in pursuit of one of Knoxville's
finest. |
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The strains of the National Anthem echoed
over the riverside. |
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Seconds later the resounding crack of the
starter's pistol sent everyone into motion. |
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The fleet of feet were out in front. |
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The big crowd thundered past. |
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Soon all the runners were on their way. |
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While the racers made their way westward on
Neyland, the allstar volunteer crew gathered for a photo op. |
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The men of Engine 9 did not have to perform
any emergency services, thankfully, and were content to enjoy the race. |
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It wasn't even fifteen minutes later that
Swift Stu Ellington blazed back down the final straightaway to claim the
victory. |
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As the next two runners passed the
photographer, it looked like wily veteran speedster Allen Etheridge
would be runner-up. |
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But Webb HS standout Andrew Press, running
under a pseudonym for some reason, gathered himself for a passing
maneuver in the final hundred meters and overtook Etheridge. |
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Newly minted grandmaster sensation Jeff
Colfer took the masters title. |
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The ageless Bob Barber dropped down ten
years to earn the grandmasters crown. |
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Kathy Wolski cruised to another win,
running 18:11 for the victory. |
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Preteen wonder Amber Zimmerman gave chase
and finished as second overall female, about thirty seconds back of
Wolski. |
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Valerie Bachmann (far left) fought off a
tough challenge from Taylor Poling to claim third place. |
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Grand Prix Champion Marsha Morton was top
masters female. |
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Sally Evenden (right) was the fastest
grandmasters woman. |
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Larry Brede eked out a win in the
Clydesdale category (by more than three minutes over his closest
competitor). |
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The youngest female and male finishers were
Allison and Gordon LeCroy, talented offspring of Panther Creek Park boss
John LeCroy. |
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Toward the end of the 5K, a few folks
might've liked to hitch a ride on the Three Rivers Rambler. |
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But eventually the finish line came into
sight and everyone passed through successfully. |
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Race director Eddie Reymond was a gracious
and convivial master of ceremonies. |
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A large arrangement of KTC goblets were
readied for presentation by Eddie's son, Harrison. |
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Hundreds of runners and spectators gathered
upstairs in Calhouns for the ceremony. |
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93-year old Dr. Max Springer was honored
for his many outstanding achievements as a member of the Knoxville Track
Club. He was recently inducted into the USATF Masters Hall of
Fame. |
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Always quick to laugh, he shared a good one
with his wife during his acceptance of the achievement award. |
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Somehow we ended up with the only sunshiny
hours of the day during the race, and it grew cloudy and chilly later
on. No matter; we all had a great time again at the KTC's gala New
Year's Day event. |