Runners ranging from 7 – 82 years of age celebrated victory at the September 10th Cotton Pickin’ 5k & 1k Cotton Candy Fun Run benefiting Fayette Cares. Over 600 registrants showed support of Fayette Cares’ efforts to provide shelter for the homeless, safety for victims of domestic violence, and stability for families in financial crisis.
Announcing over 100 winners and distributing awards, were event sponsors Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent Marlon King, Memphis Contract Packaging CEO Shannon Kee, The Seam CEO Mark Pryor, Dr. Glenn Weatherly of Somerville Animal Hospital, and Town of Oakland Mayor Chris Goodman. Event Sponsors also included 24/7 Fitness of Oakland, Central Distributors, Costco, Fayette County Chamber of Commerce, Hurdle Machine Works, Kroger, Print Solutions, Pyramid Food Brokers, Rehab World, Somerville First United Methodist Church, Tri-State Printing, and Trustmark Bank.
Among the community supporters were runners and walkers from local schools including Bolivar Schools, Fayette Academy, Fayette County Public Schools, and Rossville Christian Academy. Fayette County Public schools mobilized each county school, bringing an unprecedented team of 213 participants.
Overall event winners were Female Grand Master, Pamela Pierski of Somerville, TN 26:00, Male Grand Master, Wesley Kitchens of West Memphis, AR 24:08, Female Master, Terri Harris of Memphis, TN, 23:46 and Male Master, Tonydee Davis of Somerville, TN20:07. The race was led by Overall Female winner, Mary Farris-Conley of Arlington, TN with a time of 22:10 and Overall Male winner Shayne Fawcett of Bolivar, TN finishing in 17:46.
If you missed the charity race but want to support the work of Fayette Cares by making a donation or to see event photos and race results visit FayetteCares.org/CottonPickin5k or call (901) 465-3802 ext. 223. Fayette Cares is a United Way Agency.