November 7th may have been the 23rd Annual Vulcan Run 10K in Birmingham, Al. but it represented a first for GWTC as the club officially sponsored and entered a men’s and women’s team in the open team competition at this highly regarded and competitive race. The four men and four women representing GWTC made the 300-mile trek the evening before the race to enjoy the free pre-race pizza dinner and exposition at the Ramada Inn race headquarters before resting up for the big race the next morning. Saturday morning it was a cold 32 degrees but sunny and beautiful for the 1,000-plus runners. A cash prize purse of $10,000 to the top ten men and women and top five masters attracted a top flight field and despite the hilly course times reflected the quality of the event. The top ten men were under 31 minutes and the top five women were under 35 minutes.
In the team competition the GWTC men had to deal with both an “A” team and a “B” team representing the Atlanta Track Club as well as several other out of state teams. We’re pleased to report that the men finished second in the open team competition to the Atlanta Track Club’s “A” team. Each member was awarded a very nice plaque to commemorate their achievement. This was especially fortuitous since only the top two teams received awards. Team members were Doug Gorton, 36:47; Brian Corbin, 37:37; Myron Herring, 42:37; and Joe Donoghue, 42:44. The GWTC women also did the club proud with a 2nd place finish to a very strong Nashville Racer’s team. Team members were Sissi Carroll, 43:07; Julie Clark, 44:17; Nancy Stuparich, 45:02, and Judy Alexander, 47:05.
Individual awards also went to Sissi Carroll for placing 1st in the women’s 40-44 age group, Julie Clark for placing 3rd in the women’s 35-39 age group, Nancy Stuparich for placing 4th in the women’s 35-39 age group and Doug Gorton for finishing 5th overall Master. The awards were exceptionally nice and in all, 12 plaques as well as some cash were brought home by the 8 GWTC team members. Everyone had a great time and we look forward to GWTC sponsoring more races and spreading our logo around the southeast in the near future.
Jane Cormier also ran the 10K in 48:28 and Carol Rhodes competed in the Vulcan Marathon the following morning.