I traveled from Shelby County early Saturday morning and ran in the Woodstock 5K in Anniston. The race was more hospitable than any I've participated in, and I was impressed by the participation of the community the course took us through.
I was also very impressed by the participation of the Anniston High School students. The band and football players were easily identified, but I know there were many others present. The students along the course were very respectful of the runners, and at the same time they were very encouraging. Their high-fives and cheers were just what struggling runners like me needed to pull that last stretch.
I was around this group of kids many times throughout the day and I never overheard as little as one inappropriate word. I even looked back at the finish line about an hour into the race and saw one of the Anniston football players run the last leg with a "great grand runner."
Too often we complain about what's bad and do not check up when things are good.
Thank you, Anniston.
Tina Jenkins
Calera Nelson for mayor
Thank you, Brooke Nelson. The Woodstock 5K was a tremendous success, and we owe so much of it directly to the tireless efforts and enthusiasm of Nelson, the race director.
Some of The Star's readers may not pay attention to this race. We all should. Consider that more than 1,000 people participated last Saturday, many from outside Calhoun County. They brought their tourist dollars with them, as they stayed in our hotels and ate in our restaurants.
We all talk about how to bring new businesses to Anniston, McClellan and Calhoun County in general. I think we could all take a lesson from Brooke — just make a plan and get it done. Maybe I am biased, but — Brooke Nelson for mayor.
Jay Worrall
Anniston Joys of Woodstock
What can be said that has not already been said in The Star about the Woodstock except thank-you to Brooke Nelson in all that she has done for the Anniston Runners Club and for making the Woodstock 5K an event, not just a race.
No one has worked harder than Brooke in taking this race and running with it all the way to a national championship race.
Thanks to The Star for all the wonderful coverage. All of the stories on select runners were heartwarming and so meaningful.
Thanks to all of our sponsors that supported our race. We look forward to their continued support on the race's 30th anniversary in 2010.
Thanks again, Brooke. Take a great big bow.
Nancy Grace
Anniston
