Running into the New Year

SIKESTON -- Nearly 100 runners, walkers, volunteers and spectators, representing 4 states, assembled in Sikeston on New Years Day for the Resolution Run 5k/1-Mile Fun Run. Participants braved the 7-degree wind-chill temperature for a chance to leave with race hardware or just a sense of self-satisfaction running into the New Year.

Brothers Roy and Billy Leighton of Cape Girardeau led the race from the beginning, taking the first mile out in 5:14 and negative splitting the next 2 miles. In the end, Roy was first at 16:16, and Billy second at 16:21. Mary Dohogne, also of Cape Girardeau, claimed the Women's Title with a time of 19:53.

Sikeston's Delbert Marriott lead the Masters Division (40+), taking sixth overall with a total time of 17:44. Marriott (41) was the first runner over the age of 18 to cross the finish line. Sue Kramer of Creal Springs Ill. took the Women's Masters Title. Kramer (56) was the third overall female finisher at 22:39.

Super D Drugs of Sikeston sponsored the event designed to promote and encourage healthy lifestyles. Super D Manager, Susan Hampton, participated in the event herself. At 53 years old, this was Hampton's first ever running event.

"At first, I was so cold that I couldn't feel my feet," Hampton said. "I thought about backing out, but I'm glad that I didn't. Running with a crowd kept me motivated. This is something that I never thought I would do, but now I'm already looking forward to doing it again."

Other local finishers include Mike Jobe, Adam Lofton, Tammy Burch, Eric Tidwell, Erica Weadon, Heather Williams and Matt Wright.