Charlotte Running Company 4.44 Miles

So, in the second week of our new run, 40+ people came out on a beautiful evening to challenge the soon to be world recognized race course, the 4.44 miler (patent pending).  Participants were greeted with mid 70's temps, sunshine, and a full spread of good food tastefully prepared and laid out on my truck's tail gate.  The Guys tonight received Sock Guy running socks ($10 value) provided by Charlotte Running Co.  Next week is the ladies turn to receive a VERY special gift.

With last week's winner and points leader, Todd Patterson, taking the day off in preparation for the Native Trail Gods trail adventure this Sunday, the scene was open for a new champion to emerge.  Would it be James Haycraft, the up and coming speedster with an awe-inspiring farmer's tan?  Or would it be one of the young, skinny, lads who showed up with everything but their cross country coach (they looked pretty intimidating.....except the skinny part)?  It was clear from the start there'd be a good race.  Brad Popple did not disappoint, coming across the line at 26:50, though due to his admission that he ran off course (officials have yet to determine whether it was longer or shorter than 4.44 miles), he is DQ'd and stripped of his title in an incredibly embarrassing process in which the announcement is made at next week's start.

That means that "Cool Style" sunglass wearing, James Haycraft is the new champion (and points leader) in his solid time of 28:05 (a course record).  These developments were not clear at the time of the event last night, but after scouring through hundreds of pages and sub sections of the USATF handbook, Race Director, Footfeathers has made the official determination.  Brad will be allowed to return to competition next week pending drug testing of his A, B, and C samples (he drank a lot of water).

The ladies came out in force with Eimear Goggin returning this week to win her second consecutive title and setting a new ladies course record of 33:56.  She extends her points lead in the early stages of the Great White Grand Prix (which is being made up as we go along, but shaping up to be HUGE with shirts guaranteed, medals, and probably a few laws broken in the process).

Thanks to all who came out, including the new Sharksbite members, Philly gurl Elizabeth Skettino, Lightning Eimear Goggin, Cute accent and fast Genia Tsvotkova (say that fast after a couple glasses of wine).  Also, good to see some of the guys, the well dressed Brian Trotter, Big grin Matt Chisholm and the Hooker family, who has supported Sharksbite since the early days and are all long time members.

Photos by Footfeathers (please come back soon, Jim!)