By GERRI GRADY
CHEROKEE RUNNERS
A summer and autumn of training culminated in eight Cherokee Runners completing the 36th Annual Marine Corps Marathon.
Members of the Cherokee Runners participated in the 36th Annual Marine Corps Marathon and some participated in the Marine Corps 10K. Shown (left-right) back row - Jimmy Oocumma, Kyle Swimmer, Stephan Swimmer, Thomas Benedict, Sean Grady, Chris Reed and Chad Bowman; front row - Skye Littledave, Marlene Arch and Robin Swimmer (not pictured: Gerri Grady). (Photo courtesy of Gerri Grady)
Steph and Robin Swimmer, Sean and Gerri Grady, Jimmy Oocumma, Chad Bowman, Skye Littledave and Kyle Swimmer each completed 26.2 miles on Sunday, Oct. 30 in Washington, D.C. On the same morning, Chris Reed, Brian Driver, Thomas Benedict, Dawna Paul, Karleigh Reeves and Marlene Arch completed the Marine Corps 10K.
Thousands of spectators lined the roadways from the starting line in Arlington, Virginia to the finish line near the Iwo Jima Memorial to cheer on the 20,940 runners finishing the race. Television star Drew Carey pulled the trigger of the starter gun then joined the marathon and completed the race in 4:37 behind Cherokee Runners Jimmy Oocumma (3:38), Kyle Swimmer (4:36) and Robin Swimmer (4:31). As runners completed the course, they were motivated by reading spectator signs such as “Worst Parade Ever (where’s my candy)”, “Sweat is liquid Awesome”, and “Stop reading this sign and run!”
The Cherokee Runners would like to thank family and friends for their continued support. Also, the group thanks Chief Hicks for supporting their activities though financial and transportation assistance. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, Nov. 3 at 7pm at the Age Link conference room. Anyone interested in fitness through walking or running is encouraged to attend.
