Female masters age group winner Melissa Luke checks her watch at the finish. Luke ran the 5K in 21:22.

TIFTON — Emily Golden extended her Run for Love streak to three consecutive wins Saturday morning, one of several winners of 5K and one-mile fun run races sponsored by Tift County Schools cross country and held at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.

Golden completed the 5K in 19:29, five seconds faster than her time in 2023. The overall winner was Rush Hatcher, who finished the course in 17:06. Master age group male victory was Russell Coleman in 18:44 and master age group female was Melissa Luke in 21:22.

Run for Love, which celebrated its 35th annual event this year, is a fundraiser for Tift’s cross country teams. A large group participated this year, with 158 crossing the finish line in the 5K. Ninety-five ran the race a year ago.

“We had a great turnout,” said high school head coach Cindy Marzen. She was especially happy for the good weather. Forecasts earlier in the week listed rain as a strong possibility, but Saturday did not have a cloud in the sky and stayed its usual muggy August temperature.

Marzen was appreciative to ABAC for providing Run for Love’s venue, as well as additional support. This year, an ABAC policeman was the trail vehicle on the course, making sure no runner was left behind.

Don Borowski of Tifton’s Best Running served as emcee of the event, calling out medalists’ names and ticket numbers for several giveaways. Borowski and his family also ran the 5K.

In addition to the winners on the course, Tony Falatico was adorned with a regal robe, crown and scepter for raising the most money in sponsorships among team members.

“We appreciate the community support,” Marzen said.

For the fun run, the overall winners were Sergio Martinez and Ella Branch.

Every other mile run finisher received a medal. The 5K awarded medals to the top three in each age class.

Age group winners were:

10-and-under: Forrest Borowski and Lucy Maxwell.

11-13: William Maxwell and Kynslee Collins.

14-18: Russ Benton and Kali Nicholson.

19-24: Sergio Martinez and Reagan Pate.

25-29: Logan Balkcom and Jessica Moore.

30-34: Steven Haggard and Kelsey Morris.

35-39: Logan Collins and Tia O’Leary.

40-44: Dan Hobby and Kristy Music.

45-49: Gene Roberts and Jennifer Wood.

50-54: John Sheppard and Crystal Kilheffer.

55-59: Ted McElroy and Penny Peters.

60-64: Bret Wagenhorst and Ricki Taylor.

65-69: Tim Bell and Gina Purvis.

70+: Ray Barber. There were no female entries in this age group.

Tift’s high school cross country begins Aug. 17 at Wilcox County’s Patriot Pride Invitational. “We have some fast runners,” Marzen said. The roster shows an experienced, yet young team.

Two regular season meets will be held within the county. Tift will visit Tiftarea Academy for the Panther Prowl Sept. 21, then host the 23rd annual Tift Invitational Sept. 28.