OAKWOOD - Approximately 60 runners participated on Saturday in the 13th Annual Trinity Trot Race, a local 5K road race sponsored by McEver Road United Methodist Men as a fundraiser for its mission work.
Weather, although windy at times, was nearly perfect for the race held at Gainesville State College. North Hall High junior and 2006 Overall Champion Nolan Clark returned to defend his title and his 2006 record-setting time of 16:26.
Clark held on to his title with a time of 16:54. When asked what was the toughest part of the race for him, Clark replied," Going down the big hill in tiny shoes."
Clark ran the race in borrowed shoes, having left his running shoes in a friend's car.
Bethany Bishop Griggs of Smyrna had the best time among female competitors with her time of 21:28. Griggs said the wind in the open areas was a factor. Griggs, a UGA alumnus, is the head coach of cross country for both boys and girls at Campbell High in Smyrna.
Family runners were prevalent at this year's race. Katelyn Roth won both the 14-and-under girls' division (27:40) and the 1 Mile Fun Run (female). Emily Roth won the 15-19 year-old girls' division with a time of 23:30. The Ford's 3-yr old twins, John and James, placed first and second in the 1 Mile Fun Run (male).
The Uys family of Gainesville took places in several divisions with Rudolph Uys placing second in 45-49 year-old men's division (26:26), Phillip Uys placing sixth in 15-19 year-old boys' division (22:24), Elzabe Uys placing second in 14-and-under girls' division (29:58), and Estine Uys placing second in 45-49 year-old women's division (31:29). Lillee Clark, mother of Nolan Clark, again won the 45-49 year-old women's division (29:00).