GRANT — Henry Crocker and Amberley Melendez grabbed top spots Sept. 21 in the 7th annual Conquer the Cave 5K at Cathedral Caverns State Park.
Runners dashed along about half of the challenging, hilly course before entering the stunning cavern, which is more than 25 feet tall at the entrance. They follow the lighted path through the cavern to a turnout and back to the finish. One stalagmite, “Goliath,” is one of the largest stalagmites in the world. It is 45 feet tall and 243 feet in circumference. Another stalagmite is 27 feet tall and 3 inches wide.
Crocker, 16, of Cullman, won the overall title in 20:15.
Melendez, 28, of Huntsville, finished in 28:42 to claim the women’s title and finish fifth overall.
The field of 627 finishers had runners from more than 15 states including Oregon, Kentucky and Virginia. Running Lane puts on the event, along with others at the cavern, in spring and fall.
See all of the results here, and photos from Spencer Cox Photography here.
Bow Wow Dash 5K
LEWISBURG, Tenn. — Sean Giffin of Tennessee won the 5th annual Bow Wow Dash 5K on Saturday by six seconds.
Giffin, 34, of Wartrace, finished in 18:32 for the top spot. Willis Patterson, 17, of Franklin, Tenn., was second in 18:38.
Olympia Cahtey, 17, of Lewisburg, won the women’s title and was third overall in 21:44.
The race had 80 official finishers. Proceeds benefit the Animal Rescue Assistance Team Tennessee.
See all of the results here.
