One neat thing about the Glow in the Park 5K finish Saturday evening at John Hunt Park was the finish line being unlit. Until someone called out a name, or the shine of the red clock light illuminated a face, the finishers were just somewhat-lit bouncing bodies slowing down, bending over, glad to be done.
Somewhat-lit, of course, because the little glow stick lights and occasional head lamp or waist lamp were the only things visible. Starting at about 7 p.m. on the newly-grassed cross country course, the 237 runners and walkers pushed off into the gusty southeast wind whipping flags and banners.
The course easily handled two days of the Southern Showcase high school and college competition. The Glow in the Park 5K, put on by Running Lane Events, fun was icing on the weekend cake.
Joshua Johnson, 16, clad in black and virtually invisible, claimed the win in a nice time of 18:34. He fended off 9-year-old Logan Wood, who was second in 19:27, and Draven Patterson, 16, in third at 20:08.
Alissa Fisher, 33, won the women’s title in 20:51. She was fifth overall and the only woman in the Top 10. Brooklyn Wood, 7, was second (13th) in 23:44, and Brittany Wood, 39, was third (14th) in 23:46. (Yes, they’re all related.)
Proceeds from the Glow in the Park 5K benefit the Redstone Army 10 Miler Team entry fee and travel to the Army 10 Miler in Washington, D.C. The event is Oct. 13 at The Pentagon, with the course taking runners past some of the capitol’s most scenic spots.
See all of the results of the Glow in the Park 5K here.
Watch this quick vid of runners coming to the finish line Saturday night:
