First annual 5K run/walk continues NGU’s 10,000 pound challenge
Posted by The Skyliner on April 14th, 2010James Chip Moore
Staff Writer
On April 10, a chilly Saturday morning, I awoke when half of me would have rather remained under the covers. Sitting behind my frost-covered windows, I thought about how long it had been since I was last up this early on a Saturday. The reason for my early arrival into the day was the North Greenville 5K run/walk. It was going to be the first one that I had ever been involved in. I have a Dad and cousin that have run in marathons, but other than that, my family tree falls short of runner leaves. Since 2008, I have taken running seriously as my exercise of choice. By now I felt that I was ready to step up my involvement with the cardiovascular- improving action.
John Cuyar finishes his run at the first annual North Greenville 5k run/walk. Photo Credit: Nick Hinson
Packet pick-up for the 9 a.m. run/walk was conducted between 7:45 and 8:30 a.m. in front of the Yount’s Athletic Complex. After stating my name, I was handed my racing bib with the number 161 on it. The largest number I heard was 191. Next, I received a bag that contained my $25 gift certificate to participating Table 301 restaurants ,along with some athletic ads. Taking a cup of water, I stood off to the side to hydrate and mentally prepare myself as the rest of the participants and supporters gathered behind the starting line.
Before the participants lined up, prayer was held and a spokeswoman from the United Way said a few words. The United Way, an organization that is in the business of making long-term positive changes, wanted people to know what the money given to their organization would be used for. One of their major concerns at the moment is raising the graduation rate within schools. The last person to speak gave a course description to assist anyone who would be inclined to run in the wrong direction.
With my headphones securely positioned in my ears, I took a place at the starting line. The rising sun had yet to take away the coolness of the morning that would make it easy to bear the weather while exerting the muscles needed to carry me across the finishing point. At the blast of the air horn, the group was in motion.
Making a circle around the front of the football stadium, we then ran down toward S.C. Highway253 before taking a left and running back toward campus. On the way to campus, I crossed the one-mile marker. I was feeling fine. Reaching campus, we proceeded to run an oddly shaped figure eight that started at the cafeteria, went down past the chapel, up by the gym and then back down by the chapel. The last stretch was running down S.C. Highway 414 to the sidewalk in front of the Yount’s Athletic Complex, where the clock and finish line was waiting on me.
It was the large hill going toward the gym that took my energy, but I never stopped running. My biggest concern was to keep running. My goal awaited me, along with the Chick-Fil-A cow waving his hoof, and I was proud to reach it. Fruit and bagel pieces were provided from Einstein Bros Bagels, and Chick-Fil-A provided chicken and chicken and biscuits. Gift certificates were given to the top three male and female runners, and various prizes were randomly raffled off. With my breath caught up, a full belly and a smile on my face, I left behind my new experience with my t-shirt documenting the event draped over my shoulder. Until the second annual event, I will continue to practice reaching those goals.
Tags: Spring 2010, Vol. 110 - Issue 11