By GERRI GRADY
CHEROKEE RUNNERS
The Cherokee Runners entered a 12-person team in the 2013 Smoky Mountain Relay on April 19-20. This is the third year for participation by the Cherokee Runners in this event, and the group had an incredible experience during the race.
Members of the Cherokee Runners participated in the Smoky Mountain Relay on April 19-20. Shown (left-right) front row – Charlie Myers, Katie Murchison Ross, Tracie Winters and Skye Littledave; back row – Julie Lambert, Amanda Lappas, John Volger, Terry Smith, Susan Paul, Gideon Lewis, Seth Holling, Chad Bowman and John Ross. (Photo courtesy of Gerri Grady)
Gideon Lewis ran leg 9 and because the route was poorly marked, got lost and ran twice the number of miles (18 miles) needed for the leg. The total mileage for the relay was 212.5 and each runner would complete around 18 miles. Progress was also hindered by heavy rains on Friday, but the group made up ground on Saturday as it turned out to be a beautiful day. The Cherokee Runners membership includes members from Florida and Tennessee and some of those individuals were able to participate in this year’s relay.
Thanks to Jim Brendle, relay organizer, for his assistance and support throughout the run. The group extends a note of appreciation to Julie Lambert for her expert navigation skills and other support. The route for the Smoky Mountain Relay begins at the Pink Beds in Brevard and ends at NOC in Swain County.
The 2013 Coach to 5K session started on April 15 with an initial enrollment of 24 people. That has grown to 33 participants for the Cherokee Runners to coach. This is an excellent turnout with the participants running their first organized run at the July 4th Sunset 5K sponsored by the Cherokee Runners.
Membership for the Cherokee Runners is open to all community members no matter the fitness level. The group now meets monthly on the second Tuesday at 5:30pm at the Age Link Conference Room. Visit our website at www.cherokeerunners.com or check out Cherokee Runners Facebook page.
