Cookeville resident Brian Shelton shaved six minutes off last year’s best time to win the fourth annual Viola Valley Half Marathon held earlier this month.
Shelton finished the race in 1:14:07, a pace that translates to a blistering 5:39 per mile pace.
Murfreesboro resident Julie Ulery was the top female finisher with a time of 1:27:49, a pace of 6:42 per mile.
Ray Bishop was the fastest local runner, finishing the half marathon in the No. 8 spot in 1:28:14. He was followed by two more Warren County residents in Amiel Emerson at No. 9 and Ben Myers at No. 10.
There were 370 people registered and 306 participated.
“Runners again stated they love the course for the scenery, the organization, the enthusiasm of the volunteers, and the residents of Viola Valley,” said race organizer John Nunley. “Next year will be our fifth and we are really going to push to reach our cap of 650 runners.”
There was a light rain for the 7 a.m. start with a temperature of 64 degrees. Nunley said those weather factors were “much delight for the runners” preparing for a grueling race.
Nashville resident and avid runner Tara Carney finished the race in 1:51:07. Afterwards, she glowed about the course on her runner’s blog.
“Misty and 60s, the weather was perfect,” wrote Carney. “We covered easy rollers through idyllic farmland spotted with farmhouses and livestock. Light rain and breezes wafted honeysuckle scent, adding to that country mystique. The eight water stations were competing for cash prizes and the incentive made them awesome. Every person was enthusiastic and helpful, shouting ‘water or Gatorade’ as I approached, to which I would shout ‘water!’ and it would become the most available cup."
Carney continued, "The finish in the center of Viola is enchanting with landscaped Victorian homes. It really is a storybook town. At the finish, a darling toddler in ruffled pants handed me a medal. I enjoyed chatting with the catering ladies, whose turkey rollups and black eyed peas were perfect post-race sustenance.”
The race starts and finishes near Viola Town Square. The course travels through three counties of rolling countryside – Warren, Grundy and Coffee.