By GERRI GRADY
CHEROKEE RUNNERS
October training continues for the Cherokee Runners in addition to working on personal fitness goals. Chad Bowman and Skye Littledave competed in two recent races: the Southeastern Tribes 5K and the Smoky Streak 10K and placed in both events. This coming weekend, several runners will compete in the Thomas Wolf 8K in Asheville and members have completed several long runs. On Sunday October 16 a group ran at least 16 miles on Round Bottom in Big Cove while two members ran almost 20 miles during the same group run. Round Bottom is challenging due to the gain in elevation during the first section of the course.
Cherokee Runners are shown on a recent training run (left-right): Jamy Oocumma, Jimmy Oocumma, Chris Reed, Jessie Bailey, Sean Grady, Gerri Grady, Stephan Swimmer, Marlene Arch, Will Tramper, Lisa Hodges, John Martin, Michael Martin and Caroline Oocumma. (Photo courtesy of Gerri Grady)
On Saturday, Oct. 15, the Cherokee Runners met with John Martin and his son, Michael, to run the Harvest 5K course that the Martins have been training for over the last several weeks. The pair traveled from Knoxville to run in what would be their first 5K. The group, including the Couch to 5K trainee, had a great time on the run and good fellowship after. Congratulations to the Martins on completing their first 5K!
Upcoming events include preparing a pasta dinner for the Cherokee School Cross Country Team on Oct. 27. The Marine Corps Marathon will take place on Oct. 30 in Washington, D.C. The group held a 50/50 to raise gas money for the trip. The winner was Doug Reed of Big Cove.
The next regular meeting will be held on Nov. 3 at 7pm at the Age Link Conference Room. Anyone interested in improving fitness through walking or running is welcome to join the group. Visit our Facebook page (Cherokee Runners) or the group’s website www.cherokeerunners.com.
