More than 450 runners lined downtown Greenwood on a sun-kissed Saturday morning for the fifth annual Viking Half Marathon and 5K.
The event drew 280 runners for the 13.1-mile half marathon and another 174 for the 3.1-mile 5K. While the overall numbers were down a good bit after averaging 595 participants the first four years, race organizers said they couldn’t have been more pleased to see so many people show up on Easter weekend.
“This was another perfect race weekend. The weather was so good, and the whole town just welcomed everyone to this event with open arms as usual,” said Beth Stevens, executive director at the Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce. “We love to do these events because it gives us a great opportunity to showcase our city and our hospitality. This keeps people coming back again and again.
“A big thanks goes out to all of our sponsors, volunteers, water stop support, the city and everyone involved in making this event successful. We love to roll out the red carpet for our event participants. It’s just a fun thing to be involved with.”
Stevens says at least 80 percent of the field is made up of out-of-town runners.
Jackson’s Jason Wheat falls into that 80 percent, and he was impressed with his first trip to the Viking Half Marathon and 5K.
“I am so glad I finally made it here because I had heard great things about it,” said Wheat, who won the men’s side of the half marathon and finished second overall with a time of 1 hour, 28 minutes and 14.7 seconds. “It’s a great setup with great post-race fun. That’s one of the big reasons I came, for the fun.”
A large crowd gathered downtown to enjoy the live music of Jon and Angela Byrd while sipping on refreshments and putting down some tasty food.
Bill Bolton of Pope was in Greenwood Saturday for his fourth Viking Half Marathon and 5K. He says he plans to get Greenwood in his small rotation of 5Ks that he participates in each year.
“Great people. Great course. Great fun,” he said.
Meggan Franks of Starkville won the 13.1-mile race with a time of 1:21:51.6 in her second visit to the Greenwood race. The former Mississippi State trackster enjoys the competition, but it’s about more than that for her.
“I just enjoy this town. Everyone here is so hospitable,” said the 32-year-old mom of two. “The volunteers are great as well as all the course support. The post-race events are fantastic. I will definitely be back.”
• Contact Bill Burrus at 581-7237 or bburrus@gwcommonwealth.com.
