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Warren County Chase attracts 91 runners
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Photo provided Waccren County Chase Half Marathon winners are, front row, from left, Leslie Hayes, Joel Lawrence, overall female champ Carrie Hale, overall male champ Travis Shope and Bradley Burkett. Back row, Nancy Dill, Paul Hunt, Tammy Panter, Ray Singer, Becky Clark, Chris Panter, Chris Cope, Rhonda Carr, Sam Wheeler, Crystal Rhea, Cory Steffes, Eddie Alzate, Rocil Neahring and Petr Kaska.

If the success of the first Warren County Chase Half Marathon proved anything, it’s that people love running in McMinnville. Ninety-one runners took part in the inaugural event Saturday, which was put on by the WCMS cross country team in hopes of purchasing new jerseys for this season.

There was even a local crossing the line first in the female division as Carrie Hale turned in a solid time of 1:50:38 to top the field. The male overall winner was Travis Shope from Cookeville, who blazed the running trail around warren County High School in 1:31:43.

WCMS cross country coach Monica Moore had been pushing the event for months, hoping it would catch on in a community that has plenty of avid runners. She couldn’t have been more pleased with the success of the first race – which doesn’t seem like it will be the last after so many enjoyed the local course.

“I thought the race went great. Everyone who crossed the finish line told me they thought it was great and that volunteers were wonderful,” said Moore, an avid runner who owns Mad Cow Running Company. “We had great WCMS clubs and teams working our water stops and great volunteers directing runners on the course. The community embraced this race – I’m so thankful the city approved this race.”

It took a community effort to guide over 90 runners around the course, where athletes could either take part in the half marathon or 5K. The 5K winners were Lucas Rhea and Mary Myers.

Moore noted that the McMinnville Police Department “was wonderful with protecting our runners on the course,” and several businesses provided items to donate to each runner in swag bags and chipped in to get shirts for each participant.

The top finishers also received custom wood plaques, which were also made locally – as were the medals to the top finishers in each age group.

“I could not have dreamed of a better group of volunteers and sponsors,” said Moore. “This was a big event and I want to think everyone who played a part in this race.”

As for the fundraiser – it was a major success. Moore said the WCMS cross country team has new uniforms, and they will debut Aug. 26 at the team’s first meet.