Gwinnett Daily Post

Thousands participate in the start of the 19th annual Run the Reagan 5k road race in Snellville Saturday. All proceeds from the Run The Reagan half marathon, 10K, 5K and 1 mile fun run will benefit the charitable organizations: Gwinnett Community Clinic and YoungLife.

SNELLVILLE -- Ever considered running a 5K, a 10K or a half marathon? How about all three on the same morning?

That's what Cyndi Eggers did Saturday. In her training for the upcoming Boston Marathon, the Lawrenceville business owner tackled each race one by one during the 19th installment of Run the Reagan.

Billed as "Gwinnett County's Premier Road Race," the event brought out thousands who braved chilly weather Saturday morning. The charitable event kicked off with the half-marathon, followed by a 10K and 5K race. This year's event brought out about 2,500 people according to event organizers.

For those running all three -- Eggers -- it was a matter of pacing.

"I think I have to look at it as a regular weekend training run," Eggers said. "I can't get caught up in a time goal. It's good training for the Boston Marathon."

Considered one of the world's most prestigious road racing events, the Boston Marathon is scheduled for April 15.

As far as Gwinnett County resident Alyssa Branson is concerned, Run the Reagan is one of the best races in the country too.

"We come out most every year," said Branson, who showed up early Saturday to cheer on her friend, who was running. "It's like a good community-feeling kind of deal. You get to see some of the folks you saw last year, It's a little like a reunion."

Added Branson: "Plus, it's a great race."

The only drawback, Branson said, was the weather. "It's so cold out here," she said, shivering.

The area saw temperatures in the upper 30s, according to the National Weather Service in Peachtree City. Despite the chill, event organizer Tom Mayfield said the event was a big success.

"It was chilly, but the sun came out and made it a decent day," said Mayfield following the race Saturday afternoon. "Once the sun came out it at least made you feel like you were warm."

Mayfield said the race had a great turnout, echoing the success of previous events.

According to its website, Run The Reagan was created to serve the community by providing "a premiere event that draws positive attention to Gwinnett County. It also provides a fun atmosphere for families in the area to participate together in a healthy activity, and raises funds to meet the needs of families and children in our community."

Men's Half Marathon

1. Malcolm Campbell, Marietta, 42, 1:11:09
2. James Nyankabaria, Marietta, 31, 1:13:18
3. George Darden, Atlanta, 38, 1:13:23

Women's Half Marathon

1. Beth Presten, Lilburn, 31, 1:30:32
2. Kinsey Snell, Loganville, 31, 1:33:04
3. Ashley Walsh, Winder, 26, 1:33:52

10K Men's

1. Nate Dawkins, Buford, 27, 39:18.31
2. Ryan Archer, Lawrenceville, 32, 40:45.52
3. Patrick Smith, Snellville, 14, 40:51.90

10K Women's

1. Sydney Marshall, Athens, 21, 38:32.29
2. Kathleen Laporte, Athens, 20, 39:50.32
3. Rachel Mason, Hixson, Tenn., 27, 43:41.05

5K Men's

1. Austin Veith, Snellville, 19, 16:41.92
2. Trevor Turner, Lawrenceville, 19, 17:33.69
3. Kyle Dodd, Loganville, 17, 18:12.64

5K Women's

1. Mckenzie Knudsen, Marietta, 16, 22:13.04
2. Samantha Finch, Lawrenceville, 23, 23:14.80
3. Emma Allison, Lawrenceville, 14, 23:17.45

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