The Second Annual Bill J. Dukes 7@7 Run Walk...So Inspiring for me!!

Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs, Bill J. Dukes and Gail Busby

Saturday,I was invited to The Second Annual Bill J. Dukes 7@7 Run Walk at Point Mallard Park in Decatur, Alabama to support the candidate for Mayor of this fine city, my friend Gail Busby. We were going to hand out pop-cycles to the runners and everyone attending the event as well as to support both this amazing icon and man Bill Dukes who served seventeen years as Mayor of Decatur and has supported Gail in her campaign. However, this whole thing turned out much different than this...wow...as a new runner...I got more than I bargained for so sit back and get ready for a ton of pictures!!!! Wow...

I must love Gail to get up at 5:30 am to be there for a 7am race...lol

I was excited to see one of the NoBoundaries participants!!

Not sure how she spells her name, but Christy, I am soooo proud of YOU!!

Introduction of Bill J. Dukes!!

There were lots of participants for both the 7 mile run,

the only one like this in the state, and for the 1 mile walk which followed.

...and they are off...

Gail Busby and Bill Dukes...

Gail Busby for Mayor supporters...

Me with Bill Dukes and one of the race workers...

The proceeds from the race supports the Mental Health Association of Morgan County...

The first runner is coming toward the finish line!!!

Tyrone Harris of Athens, Alabama finished in 24:33 minutes...

This was the second year he won this race!

Way to go Tyrone!!!

Each runner wore a device. Since I am new to running, I forgot what it is called but it tracks the exact time of the runner and when they cross the finish line it shows that time. It is attached to the their show. Leave a comment as to what that chip is called. 

John Nevels of Decatur, Alabama came in second...

...and I loved his "stomp" at the finish line. =)

Both runners conversing afterwards showed the spirit of running...

I was so inspired as I cheered and cheered...I can't wait until I can do this...

Looking for the third runner made me jump up and down...Why? Check it out...

Noah Flynn of Decatur, Alabama in 28:40 minutes and he is 10-years-old!!!

He won for this and his division!!

Noah was greeted by his Mom...

Found out they are a family of runners! 

Race helpers...

The devices that are attached to the runners shoes...

Now more race photos...enjoy...

Judge Charles Langham of Decatur, Alabama!!!

The organizer and one of the mentors of our

Priceville NoBoundaries, Ron DeWeese

Michelle Partain is also one of our mentors with NoBoundaries!!

Sonja Langham, Charles's wife! 

Loved this! Holding hands as they crossed the finish line!!

I was so proud of Christy!!!!

WOOT!!!!

As she crossed the finish line I thought "How proud!!"

I can't wait to know that someday our whole group will do this too!

So very proud of her!!

The pavilion for the lunch, door prizes, silent auction and more...

The donations to the silent auction was amazing!!

The awards ceremony was touching to me.

I sat on the edge of my seat excited for each participant...

The lady in pink, Jeania Norton from Phil Campbell, Alabama,

where my family is from...and was one of the winners of the day...

Noah's dog, Niki...don't you love his name!!

I won a door prize!!! I love cookbooks and this is by a local group! Sweet...

Gail Busby talking with supporters...

Charles Langham after speaking with Gail...

Me, behind the "1", thinking that should be a faith song...

ready for the 1 mile walk...did it in 17:44...

My sweet ride...sharing numbers today, it clicked over...244,000...=)

...and I have started my t-shirt collection...I feel a quilt coming on...

I wish this post and these words could express how I feel about this event. Running has brought so much depth into my life that I never knew existed. It is filling a spot that I never knew was empty. After power walking at the event and then a busy day, I took off for our NoBoundaries workout, walking/running 1.5 minutes each for 1 mile. We did it!! Neither of us have done any outdoor workouts and we are committed to doing this for 10weeks. Is it for us? Maybe, maybe not, but thus far, it very much is. I am energized, feeling the strength and power from each and every workout. Our desire to get out there is real. I had never attended a race and now, I can't wait until the next one. My only problem is...how can I be on the cheering side when I want to be on the racing side LOL...hmmm... Congratulations to all the participants and to the cause they represented and the man it is named for...we were all winners for being there. I know I was a winner because of all of you. Thank you!!

Hugs,

Rita