ABAC 5K has 'healhty' turnout

TIFTON — Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College’s Fitness and Health Club recently held their 5K and one-mile Fitness Fun Run for the second consecutive year. More than 100 children and adults battled the cold Saturday to compete with other runners and make strides toward becoming a healthier community.

Around 125 runners competed this year, giving ABAC nearly double the attendance from last year’s debut event. While medals and trophies are awarded to winners, Joshua Pavon, Fitness and Health Club president, feels the real goal is the promotion of a healthier community.

“There were new faces and some that we had seen before competing this year,” Pavon said. “We had a great turnout which means people are taking their health seriously and that is what we are trying to accomplish. We just want to continue to improve each year.”

Out of the 125 runners that competed, 102 were able to finish the race— a number drastically up from last year’s total of 62.

Event coordinator Joe Wilson was pleased with the turnout.

“We are just ecstatic about how many people showed up,” he said. “To have that many people come out is phenomenal. The weather was cold and a lot of individuals and families still came out to run, walk or jog the course. It really was a great thing.”

The 5K course stretched around the ABAC campus, covering all types of terrain including asphalt, brick and even dirt.

“I think it really had an ABAC feel to it,” event coordinator Jimmy Ballenger said. “The course ran through the dorms, past the tennis courts and down through the farm. I think it made for a great place to compete.”

Those competing included avid runners, beginners and even entire families pushing strollers to the finish line. Although all who competed were able to make waves toward personal health, two competitors seemed to make the biggest splash of all.

First was the mystery man and overall winner who simply refers to himself as “the masked avenger.” Having competed in several running events in the past, including last year’s debut run at ABAC, the presence of the man behind the mask was expected by many. However, the identity of “the masked avenger” still eludes most.

“I’m not really sure who he is,” Ballenger said. “He came in second place last year and this year he was able to win it.”

The masked runner crossed the finish line with a time of 18:51.

Perhaps equally as notable was the story of 7-year-old Joseph Pezent. Along with his mother and father, Pezent managed to finish the 3.5-mile race in just over half an hour.

“I think that young man is extremely encouraging,” Wilson said. “To be able to accomplish that feat at such a young age is remarkable.”

ABAC’s course served as one of the 18 locations where runners will compete in what is collectively known as the Get Active Series. Runners earn points at each location in order to eventually crown the top runner.

The series creates a more distinct bond of health amongst runners from different communities and even different states.

Although some are more competitive than others, the run is open to all.

“We just want to encourage everyone to get started doing this,” Wilson said. “Run it, jog it or even walk it and we will be waiting when you cross the finish line.”

More than 60 door prizes were handed out, refreshments were served and everyone present was treated to the live music of Eric and Kim Roundtree. With guitar in hand, the couple entertained for hours as runners started and finished the ABAC course.

Wilson was quick to thank all the supporters that made the day a success.

“All the coaches and faculty were quick to help us out and they were extremely helpful,” he said. "It was just a tremendous amount of support and there are so many people that deserve thanks for making the run a reality.”

Plans are already being made to host the event again next year.

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