Two Cherokee Runner teams complete Smoky Mountain Relay

Sean Grady & Jim Oocumma finish the 2012 Smoky Mountains Relay

 The 2012 Smoky Mountain Relay took place April 20-21. This year’s race was 212 miles from the Pink Beds in Pisgah National Forest to the Nantahala Outdoor Center.

 Teams could range in number from six (ultra runners) to 12. The Cherokee Runners had two teams to compete. Team one (Cherokee Runners) included: Stephan and Robin Swimmer, Sean Grady, Jimmy Oocumma, Brian Driver, Marlene Arch, Cliff Mault, Samantha Ferguson, Thomas Benedict, Tom Baker, Skye Littledave and Christina Bryant. Team two (Tsalagi Runners) included Angel and Priscilla Squirrell, Forrest Samuels, Dawna Paul, Gerri Grady, Chad Bowman, Lucky Hodges, Michael Henson, Clement Calhoun, Will Tramper, Julie Dixon, Kris Lewis and Dickie Woodard.

 In addition to volunteers, Pam Sneed and a friend named Bob, Lamont Squirrell ran as an alternate as well as volunteering. Both teams completed each of the 36 legs by 6:45pm on Saturday from a 5:45am start on Friday, often running in pairs.

 The group would like to thank Big Cove Community for helping with the registration for Clement Calhoun. Also a big thank you to Jim Brendle, organizer of the Smoky Mountain Relay, for a well-marked course for 2012. Also, thank you to all Cherokee Runners that helped with yard sales to raise money for van rental.

 While the Smoky Mountain Relay was in progress, Elnora Thompson competed in the 2012 Dupont half

marathon in Asheville. Congratulations to her on winning first in her age group. Also competing in the Dupont Half from Cherokee was Brian Burgess. Great job!

 A reminder that the Couch to 5K training will begin on April 29. Interested people should e-mail gerrgrady@yahoo.com or gatorwolf69@hotmail.com for details on start times. The group has regular

meetings on the 1st and the 15th of each month at 6:30pm. Anyone is welcome to join. Planning is underway for the 4th of July Sunset 5K.