Hundreds of runners, volunteers and local supporters filled the downtown Augusta Common on Saturday morning, Feb. 24, for the Augusta Sports Council’s annual Augusta Marathon, 10K and 5K races.
After an unexpected delay, as a result of a stopped train blocking the set course, Michelle Pippin, CEO of the Augusta Sports Council, and volunteers raced to adjust running markers and push back race start times, but experienced smooth sailing the rest of the day.
“This is the only event the Sports Council owns and runs ourselves. Although we put on a lot of sports events by partnering, we are truly in charge of running and managing every part of this race,” Pippin said. “It’s a full hands-on-deck effort.”
Also participating in the event were several local businesses and charities, such as the Savannah River Brewing Co. by offering free post-race beverages, while Friends of Frances and Team 65ROSES raised awareness for rare genetic diseases and Cystic Fibrosis.
Drawing in crowds from around the CSRA, the Augusta Half Marathon, 10K and 5K races are annually held in February to fundraise the Sports Council’s G.A.M.E.S. Scholarship Fund.
“We award ten $1,000 scholarships to local graduating senior athletes, so all of this helps fund that,” said Pippin. “But it also allows different health charities to raise awareness and funds for their causes as well.”
As supporters held signs and cheered at the start and finish line, located at 836 Reynolds St., volunteers took turns manning water stations to keep participants hydrated throughout the day’s events.
To encourage fellowship and healthy habits, Pippin said she hopes each runner left feeling more connected and invested in and by their community.
“We’re promoting a healthy lifestyle and also enjoying what your community has, whether it’s being able to run the roads you normally drive on to meeting different charities that we’re partnering with,” Pippin said. “It’s to get a sense of who all makes up our community and create community pride.”
To bolster community alliance and support, the entire 11th mile of the half marathon – deemed the “Blue Mile” – displays images of fallen service members, and features several volunteers holding American flags embroidered ribbons.
Those running in remembrance of service members wore blue to show support for the event’s mission to honor soldiers’ sacrifices.
Top three overall half marathon winners included: Jacob Burgamy in first place with a time of 1:08:45, Mark White in second with a time of 1:12:05, and Matthew Lee in third place with a time of 1:18:30.
Overall half marathon female and male winners were awarded $500 each for first place, $300 for second and $200 for third.
Oldest runners from the half marathon consisted of 71-year-old Barbara Taylor and 75-year-old Steve Bostrom. Both Taylor and Bostrom placed first in the female and male 70-79 age division.
The youngest half marathon runners included 15-year-old Zion Griffing from Grovetown, and 15-year-old Jackson Westbrook from Graniteville, S.C. Both Griffing and Westbrook also placed first within their age categories for runners 15 and under.
Open to anyone, race participants included young children, dogs and even those with physical challenges.
For nine-year-old, amputee runner Maela Groshong, from Cedar Ridge Elementary School, crossing the finish line to her fourth 5K felt “good.” After running her first 5K when she was seven years old, Groshong and her family now run at least twice a week to train for local events.
“Running is for everyone. Gender, age, anything else doesn’t matter when you’re running,” said Maela‘s father Gabe Groshong. “It’s great to have an event like this in Augusta, because this is home so it’s nice to be able to have that here.”
Agreeing with her dad, Maela said “anyone can still do it.”
Cheering with festive signs and cowbells alongside coworkers and friends, Fleet Feet representative and training coach Doreen Viola said she was not able to participate in this year’s event, but still wanted to support participating runners as they accomplished a long term goal.
“I promised to come out and support all my teammates,” Viola said. “It’s an amazing day and runners are amazing people … I just love to come cheer them on.”
By attracting various new people to the area, Viola said the different races were significant because it boosts the community.
“We have a lot of outside people coming in,” she said. “They come anywhere from Idaho, Oklahoma and even New York where I’m originally from, so it’s great.”
Experienced racer and trainer, Viola said the best part about event running was reaching the finish line.
“There’s just no feeling like it, and you put a lot of work into it and a lot of time,” she said.
Mother and daughter participants Anica DeHart and Izzy DeHart said they both enjoyed running in this year’s nearby 5K and enjoyed keeping each other motivated.
“We had fun doing it together. It’s something we kind of set as a goal and worked together on,” said Anica DeHart. “This is our first race for this year, and we have a couple more scheduled.”
For those who want to start running, Anica DeHart suggested individuals exercise at their own pace and work on gradually reaching higher objectives.
“Start by walking and set a step count for the day, then build from there into slow runs,” she said.
Next year’s Augusta Half Marathon, 10K and 5K will be held on Feb. 25, 2024. To register visit: https://augustasportscouncil.enmotive.com/events/2025-augusta-half-marathon-10k-5k
Liz Wright is a staff writer covering education, lifestyle and general assignments for The Augusta Press. Reach her at liz@theaugustapress.com
