POCAHONTAS, Tenn. — A stunning morning fueled runners in the Walking Tall 50K at Big Hill Pond, with Hannah Stoneking smashing the women’s record by almost five minutes.
Stoneking, of Arlington, Tenn., won the women’s division title with her record of 5:27:34. That easily eclipsed the mark of 5:32:25 set in 2022 by Meghan Underwood. Stoneking is no stranger to the podium, with several top finishes under her shoes.
Angela Corcoran was second in the women’s division in 5:47:12, and Gibson Kelley was third in 6:06:23. Both are from Memphis.
James Ebert of Huntsville (left, in top photo) continued his hot season, finishing the 50K second overall in 5:05:01. He was about five minutes behind winner John Griffin of Hernando, Miss., who smoked the course in 4:55:06. Cody Fletcher of Henderson, Tenn., was third in 5:21:32.
Results will be posted here. Full results were not available at publication.
About the Races
The Walking Tall races are mostly single track trail, a cool fire tower to climb and half-mile swamp boardwalk. The history of the area comes from the local sheriff Buford Pusser. The name of the race comes from the 1973 film “Walking Tall,” which portrayed Pusser’s efforts and challenges in McNairy County, Tenn.
Pusser vowed to end the rampant organized crime activity including prostitution, moonshining, gambling and other issues plaguing the county. His wife was murdered during an ambush and he was shot in the jaw. Before he died in a car crash in 1974, Pusser was shot a reported eight times, stabbed seven times and killed two people in self-defense.
Runners get a good dose of autumn scenery and bit of elevation in either race, although either are solid for first-timers at either distance. The climb to the top of the firetower is optional, but encouraged.
Podium finishers get the cool “whompin’ stick” that was made famous by Pusser during his time as sheriff.
Hannah Stoneking is all smiles after winning the Walking Tall 50K on Oct. 19 in Tennessee.
