TANNER — Jericho Cooey took off and never looked back in his record-setting Swing Through 5K win Friday evening at Calhoun Community College.
Cooey, 26, of Athens, finished in 17:58.2, the race’s fastest time in five years and third fastest since 2013. He won by almost four minutes. Chalie Owens, then 18 from Trinity, set the event record in 2021 with a zippy 17:21. John Nevels, then 27 from Decatur, hit a 17:42 back in 2013 for second on the list.
Daisy Hernandez, 23, of Elkmont, won the women’s title and was third overall. She finished in 22:50.6, defending her title from 2025. She was second in ’24.
Thunderstorms dancing through the area may have spooked some before the 6:30 start in front of the Calhoun Health Sciences Building. The field of 78 finishers didn’t mind a little sprinkle or threat of one that never arrived. The certified course is flat and fast.
Phyllis Harris of Harvest celebrated her 62nd birthday with a Women’s Masters trophy. She was 26th overall, crossing the line in 31:37. Bill Pierce, 51, of Madison, won the Men’s Masters title. He was 7th, finishing in 23:36.
Proceeds benefit the college’s Student Physical Therapist Assistant Fund. The Health Sciences building includes classes and labs for Physical Therapist Assistant, Nursing, Emergency Medical Services, Dental Assisting, Surgical Operating Room technician and Medical Lab technician.
See all of the Swing Through 5K results here.
