Grand Slam starts

I told you, you could do it! Great job out there on May 31 running and walking your way to better health. What a great morning.The rain fizzled out, the crowds converged on Crestwood Baptist, and we had some good fun even if it did mean lot’s and lot’s of sweat.Thanks to you, we had a new record turnout for the event.It was a treat to see whole families come out and participate, we had young and old alike hoping to post a good time as they launched from the line.Slammy, the mascot of the Grand Slam, was there to encourage everyone to do their best.Watch for Slammy to make more appearances around the county to promote the races.The race results are posted elsewhere in this issue. Find your name and show it to that person who’s been saying, “You really didn’t do that, did you?”With the finish of the Crestwood Baptist Roman Road 5K, we embark on the journey for several folks to become Oldham County Grand Slam Champions.We will crown an overall winner in both male and female categories for best cumulative time over the four events.We will find out which corporation or organization in Oldham County brings forth the most participants for 2008.In the running are The Rawlings Group, The BANK — Oldham County, The Oldham Era, Champion Chevrolet, La Grange Police, Oldham County Police and Crestwood Baptist Church.There is a third category also with a big trophy at stake – the best cumulative time for a pair of runners from one of the aforementioned organizations – from Champion Chevrolet.However, the fourth and last trophy that will be given on Sept. 13 after the final participant in the Apple Patch Scenic Road 5K crosses the finish line will be the one that I think will get the most attention.The Public Servants’ Challenge trophy will be hoisted by either the La Grange Police Department or the Oldham County Police Department.These two branches of our local governments are vying for a prestigious crown.As of the first leg of the four races, the La Grange Police hold a three minute and 36 second lead over OCPD.The top two finishers for LPD with a combined time of 46:20 were Don Wright and Tara Kelton.OCPD posted a time of 49:56 from officers James Brown and Chris Morris. It’s definitely going to come down to the wire with three more events to go.The Public Servant’s Challenge trophy is a big gold cup which features a runner on top and “Slammy” the Grand Slam Mascot emblazoned on the front.One of these departments will have bragging rights for this year’s challenge and will house the gleaming gold trophy proudly at their headquarters until next year’s challenge. (No you guys can’t use it as a hood ornament on your favorite cruiser). Imagining having bragging rights for a year will keep you training through the hot summer months.Did the jelly donuts at the finish line help too?

The views expressed in this column may not necessarily represent the views of The Oldham Era.