Race Recap: ourboys 5k Run/Walk

A warm and windy day greeted the nearly 200 runners and walkers of the ourboys 5k, held this past Saturday in the Moss Creek subdivision of Concord, NC.  One of our very own DARTers, Jeff McGonnell, co-directed the event along with Chris Hawkins.  The purpose of the race, along with its accompanying raffle and car wash, was to raise awareness and funds for the Batten Disease Support and Research Association.  Two members of the Hawkins family, Brandon and Jeremy, have been diagnosed with Batten's.

Jim Crotts and I traveled together to the race from Davidson.  As my wife Laurie was out of town I decided to push our five-year-old son James in the "baby" jogger (he's tall at 4'2" and 60lbs.).  Upon arrival we were pleasantly surprised to see a few other DARTers, including Bobby Aswell and Allen Strickland.  After a few words from Jeff and Chris we all took off at a rapid pace.

As neither Jim nor I had ever run in Moss Creek we really didn't know what to expect, course-wise.  It turned out that the roads were smooth and the inclines were pretty gentle.  We all spread out quickly and it became a matter of just hanging on to the finish line.

Bobby took first place overall in 18:34 (after putting in 18:31 just a scant 13 hours prior in the Twilight 5k in Charlotte), Kevin Ballantyne second in 19:50 (19:39 in the Twilight), and Allen Strickland in 20:13 (19:46 in the Twilight).  Top three females included Susan Grewell in 21:32, Cheryl Todd in 21:44, and Steffany Ryan in 23:44.  Jim took seventh overall in 20:54 (20:31 in the Twilight) and the dynamic duo of me and James-in-the-jogger placed ninth in 21:14.

Post-race festivities included great door prizes and, which was a first for me, Cheerwine cake, which was tastier than it looked.  There were activities for the kids and a live band, all of which made for what turned out to be a nice family outing.

Best wishes to the Hawkins family and their efforts to increase awareness of and fundraising for Batten's disease, and especially to their sons.

Chad R.
Davidson Area Running Team

Kevin and Allen in the lineup.

Jim on the far left.

Co-director and ultrarunner Jeff.

Bobby after winning the race.

Me and James.