On a 50 degree morning March 20, Tim Simpkins demonstrated he is still the dominant masters runner around, taking first place in the 1999 Rails to Trails 5K with a time of 16:14.
The flat out and back course was new and started at the softball complex around the 3 mile mark of the St. Marks Trail. Damian Wilson was the only other runner to break the 17:00 minutes barrier, finishing the race in 16:59. Mike LaBossiere and Doug Gorton battled it out for the next two spots. One place you do not want to be in the last half mile though is next to a healthy Doug and he powered away to a 3rd place finish in 17:10, while Mike rolled in with a 17:18. Mike Sims continued his streak of good races breaking 18:00 minutes.
The women’s race was all Sissy Carroll as she nearly duplicated her Cookie Run time by running a 19:07. Carrie Weyant tuned up for Springtime with a 20:29, while Fran McLean was third overall and first master with a time of 20:52.
There were a total of 103 runners in this event which provides support for the Trail. Joe Dexter, Patti Sudduth and Joe Beckham were race directors.
Click here for complete results.