Big Weekend of Race Results!

Last weekend has a BIG weekend of racing for the RMEC and also other's in Rocky Mount. I normally try to have a detailed write up for each race, but there was simply too much going on last weekend to cover it all. I am sure I missed someone below, so speak up if I forgot you!

* White Lake Half #2 - The longest race of the weekend was the White Lake Half Ironman. This race has become a favorite of the RMEC because of the crystal clear waters of the lake. On Saturday however the waters were rough, and a current slowed down everyone. Then later in the day the 90+ temperatures put a beating on the running leg. Even with less then perfect conditions, we still had some great performances:

Jeff Miller placed 60th among all men finishing in 5:42:12. His strong performance was anchored by a 1:53 half marathon time. Shortly behind Jeff came Dave Lavely with a 5:55:57. Dave showed no sings of weakness from his marathon just six days prior when he ran a 1:57 half to complete his race. Winslow Rogers is preparing for his first Ironman, so White Lake was a nice test to see where he stands. His 6:31:53 is an impressive performance that shows his training is paying off. Cliff Amos also did well with a 6:34:20. His time was off of his 2009 performance, but considering the heat and rough water it was equal to the effort. Results

* White Lake Half Relay - The RMEC assembled a women's relay team to compete on Saturday as well. Yvonne kicked things off with a 41:34 swim performance. This was 6th best among the women's team. Next Kinnie Pruden laid down the hammer with a 2:34 bike time. This was easily first among women. In fact out of 45 total relay team, on three men had a faster time than Kinnie. Tracy Proctor had the anchor leg in hottest part of the day where she still managed a 1:54:28 half marathon. This was third among women relayers. Even more impressive. . . the RMEC team of three women could have placed second among the male teams, and 3rd in the mixed teams. Great job ladies! Results

* White Lake Sprint #2 - After a hot day on Saturday, the Sprint race had fantastic weather, and it showed in the performances. Abraham Cox has shown that he might be a natural when it comes to triathlons. In his first major tri, he finished with a 1:25:24. This time includes a 2-minute penalty for forgetting his number! His time was good enough for first place among Novice Males. . . unfortunately he did not enter as a Novice! Regardless, great debut Abraham!

Ryan Bullard improved on his 2008 White Lake time when he finished in 1:31:21. On the heels of Ryan came Jordan Carter with a 1:33:57. Kinnie finally convinced Billy Pruden to give a triathlon a try, and he did not disappoint. Billy finished in 1:43:38 which was the among Master's Novices. Great job everyone! Results

* Indy Mini Marathon - Every year, Russ Hinesley heads back home and races in the Indianapolis Mini Marathon. This unique race actually finishes on the Indianapolis 500 race track. This year Russ completed the challenge with an impressive 2:15:18, just a couple minutes off of last years time. Unknown to Russ, Sean and Jennifer Epps from Rocky Mount were also there racing, and finished together in 2:39. Results

* Clayton 5k - Tom Thurman is the RMEC expert on 5ks. There are very few 5k races within an hour of Rocky Mount that he has not raced at some point. This past weekend he raced in the Clayton 5k. As part of his corporate team, Tom posted a solid 25:59 time. Well done Tom! Results

* Whirlirun 5k - Wayne Painter (our satellite member from Roanoke Rapids) had a fantastic race in Wilson on Saturday morning. His time of 18:44 earned him second place overall in the event. Jon Shingleton once again posted a new 5k PR when he ran 23:57. I am not sure what is dropping faster, Jon's times or his weight! Amber Poole took first place in her age group by running a 27:15. Always nice to see the RMEC take home some hardware! Results

* Bright Night 5k - On Saturday night, Greenville held the inaugural Bright Night 5k. This twilight race drew over 200 runners. Four RMEC members participated in the race. John Batchelor was just seconds from breaking the 19-minute barrier when he raced a 19:01. This was good enough for 2nd place in his age group. His wife Jeanette Batchelor also raced finishing in 29:50.

Jon Shingleton ran a 26:02 in his second 5k race of the day, and Amber Poole posted a 28:58. It should be noted that there was not a chip mat at the start, so these times are based on gun time, and some of our runners lost as many as 20 seconds. Overall, this new race was a big success, and something I hope the RMEC will continue to support! Results