By David Yon
A gray sky dropped pelts of sleet on runners, while blustery winds convinced runners and volunteers to bundle up for the 2003 Billy Bowlegs 5K Feb. 8. It was just the kind of weather though that Seminole Chief Billy Bowlegs would have loved in his battles to protect his family, people and land in the mid 1800’s Seminole Wars against the U.S. Calvary.
Fran McLean and Paul Orfield proved their toughness and rose above the conditions to win the women’s and men’s titles in the race. Fran pulled way from Julie Clark in the last half mile to win in 21:01. Julie finished up with a time of 21:29. Paul improved on his second place finish at the Flash 12K last week by running away from the rest of the field in this race to win in 16:56. James Dexter ran strong to capture second place in 18:06.
GWTC 2003 Runner of the Year Bill Hillison joined up with Larry Giunipero to expertly direct the race and raise money for the Bowlegs 5K Scholarship Fund. This race has enjoyed great continuity with the same directors and course for many years. 2003 marked its second year as a GWTC Club race.