What do you normally do on 4th of July? Sleep in, lay around, take a boat ride, go on a picnic, cook out and watch fireworks......Well my holiday started a little differently. I convinced my hubby and 2 adult children that we needed to get up early....(6 a.m.) and participate in a family 2 mile run in 90 degree heat!! Yeah.....I know what you're thinking........no I am not going to do that........BUT, it really was fun and for a good cause and I was proud that I actually finished the run.
The 32nd Annual Wesson Memorial Fun was held yesterday in Ocean Springs. It is co-sponsored by the YMCA and the Gulf Coast Running Club. As virgins to this experience, I did not know what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised by the variety of participants and the general fun feeling. Over 300 people registered to participate. Upon arrival there was plenty of "pickmeups" before the race.......
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icy cold watermelon.....grab one.... |
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The events were coordinated by a couple of colorful leaders............
Uncle Sam kept us informed.........
Registration was hectic, so after checking in I looked around and found some interesting running outfits....
(there was a contest for the most patriot dress and it could have been a close one)
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Wait.......didn't I just see this guy in "Magic Mike"? |
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Happy 4th!! |
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Clearly prepared!! |
Ok....so sometime close to 8 a.m. the race began......from where we stood I could not even see the starting line......
The race went South on Pine, left on Shearwater to the little bridge on East beach.....it took me 14 minutes for that first mile......I think I had only jogged a quarter of a mile when I saw the winners returning to the finish line.....HA! Their 2 mile run lasted around 10 minutes..... Believe it or not....my 27 minute run seemed to be over in an instant ( I wasn't thinking that DURING the actual run)...it was kinda like having a baby.......when it's over you say well that wasn't that bad!.....and then we waited for the kids 1/4 mile run.
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My babies!!!! |
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Cute couple..... |
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Uncle Sam gets everybody ready for the kids race! |
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And they are off!!!! |
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Early finisher............. |
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Yep, they're still coming in............ |
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Some little guys needed "dad " help to keep going! |
Everyone that completed the races were winners and everyone enjoyed the fun, family feeling and the opportunity to get some exercise....and to top it off the best beverage of all........COLD WATER!!!
For race results....see
Gulf Coast Running Club website......