By Ed Simmons, Jr.
cpreporter@lcs.net
While the diehards raced and the pack ambled along just for fun, nearly 200 runners and walkers streamed up and down the streets and sidewalks of Bowling Green for the Festival of Feet Memorial Race in Honor of Mark Haygood, Saturday, May 1.
His family now settled in Bowling Green, First Sergeant Mark Haygood served at the Virginia State Police Academy until his passing from a brain aneurism May 1, 2008. The 18-year veteran also had cancer. The race marked the second anniversary, to the day, of his death.
His wife Terri and their three sons Riley - 9, Peyton - 6 and Jacob - 4, moved from their Chesterfield home to Bowling Green that September, which is where she grew up. As Terri "supervised," both Riley and Jacob ran the 5K and Jacob walked it. "The community turnout was super," said Terri. "It was really, really wonderful."
This was the Third Annual Festival of Feet, an event growing each year. In the 10K, the women winners were Emily Webb of Bowling Green (1st at 45:50), Sarah Roberts of Fredericksburg (2nd) and Fay Krause also of Fredericksburg (3rd). From Ruther Glen, Shelly Barnes-Beale was fourth, and placing fifth was Rebecca Broaddus, Caroline's Assistant Superintendent for Instruction.
Among the men, the winners were Matthew Eak of Bowling Green (1st at 45:33), Joseph Ryan of Richmond (2nd), Eric Penree of Chesterfield (3rd), Daniel Hansen of Fredericksburg (5th) and Byron Treakle of Spotsylvania (5th).
The guest of honor was Colonel Steve Flaherty, Commander of Virginia State Police, who recently moved with his family back to Chilesburg, his childhood home and family farm. Numerous state troopers participated in the run. Proceeds benefited the American Cancer Society and the Virginia State Police Association's Emergency Relief Fund. "The race went real, real well," said Mayor David Storke. "I went for breakfast afterwards up the street and there were about 30 people there, so it was a good day for business too."