By GERRI GRADY
CHEROKEE RUNNERS
The month of October was a very busy time for the Cherokee Runners. In addition to general training and group runs, members participated in local 5K races, half marathons and marathons. On the final days of the month Samantha Ferguson, Christi and Matthew Climbingbear, Julie Dixon-Lambert, Alicia Jacobs, Deb Conseen-Bradley, Shayna Ledford, Tinker Jenks, Brandes Conway, Michael Henson and Elnora Thompson ran in the power of Pink 5K in Haywood County. Matthew Climbingbear came in 2nd overall (2 seconds behind the first place finisher), Michael Henson and Elnora Thompson placed 2nd in their age groups, and Deb Conseen-Bradley placed 3rd in her age group. The Power of Pink organizers use raise money for breast cancer research.
Members of the Cherokee Runners group participated in the recent Power of Pink 5K in Haywood County. Shown (left-right) are Samantha Ferguson, Alicia Jacobs, Tinker Jenks, Brandes Conway, Elnora Thompson, Shayna Ledford, Michael Henson, Deb Conseen-Bradley and Julie Dixon-Lambert (not pictured: Christi and Matthew Climbingbear). (Photo courtesy of Gerri Grady)
While the Power of Pink was being conducted, another group of Cherokee Runners traveled to Washington, DC to participate in the 37th Marine Corps Marathon. Robin and Stephan Swimmer, Gerri Grady, Chad Bowman, Marlene Arch, Angel and Priscilla Squirrell, Skye Littledave, Thomas Benedict and Jimmy Oocumma ran and completed the full marathon (26.2 miles). It was the fourth marathon for Robin, Steph and Gerri and the third for Jimmy, Skye and Chad (who completed the grueling Great Wall Marathon in China in spring 2012). Congratulations to first timers Marlene, Angel and Priscilla, and Thomas. Great job! Runners Dawna Paul, Sean Grady, Dave Schwartz and Brian Driver completed the Marine Corps 10K (6.2 miles) from the Smithsonian to the Iwo Jima Memorial. The group would like to thank Chief Hicks for his continued support for fitness through running and for helping the group with transportation for this event. The Cherokee Runners would also like to acknowledge Janet Ingersoll and Tamera and James Nuttle of Walkersville, Maryland, for providing a pasta dinner on the eve of the marathon.
The Cherokee Runners invite anyone interested in fitness through running to join them. Meetings are held twice at month at the Age Link Conference Room at 6pm on the 1st & 15th. It does not matter the fitness level – it only requires a commitment to fitness through running or walking. Visit our website at www.cherokeerunners.com or join us on Facebook at Cherokee Runners.
