By GERRI GRADY
CHEROKEE RUNNERS
The Cherokee Runners staged the 2nd annual Moccasin Run on Saturday, Feb. 24. The run started at the Straight Fork Bridge in Big Cove and ended at the old high school track on Acquoni Road for a total of 9.2 miles.
Participants in the 2nd Annual Moccasin Run are (left-right) back row – Todd Burkhalter; middle row – Angel Squirrel, Dawna Paul, Jimmy Oocumma, John Vogler, Seth Holling, Robin Swimmer and Katie Ross; front row – Skye Littledave, Charlie Myers and Stephen Swimmer. (Photo courtesy of Gerri Grady)
The first place finisher was Todd Burkhalter at 1:06:11, followed by John Vogler at 1:10:57, Jimmy Oocumma at 1:45, and Seth Holling at 1:20:35. The final runner completed the course in 1:57:15. The success of the event was due to the help of the Cherokee Indian Police Department, Tribal EMS, volunteers from family and friends, and the Big Cove Community. The Cherokee Runners sends a big thank you to everyone that helped out.
Elnora Thompson completed the Frostbite 5K in Fletcher and the Chilly Challenge in Asheville in February as well as volunteering for the Moccasin Run. She often places in her age group which she did at the Frostbite 5K. Other runners completed the Frostbite 5K or 10K from the Cherokee Runners including Robin Swimmer, Stephan Swimmer and Julie Dixon-Lambert.
The Cherokee Runners meets twice a month at the Age Link Conference Room. Membership is open to anyone, no matter their fitness level. Walkers are definitely welcome to join. Immediate plans include a Couch to 5K program for early April, the annual Board Meeting and the Cherokee Runners membership Annual Meeting. If you’re interested, please send an e-mail to gerrgrady@yahoo.com.
