Kicking off the race season on the right foot: Lafayette’s Get Your Rear in Gear a huge success
Led by a strong pre-race registration and a crowd of on-site participants, the Lafayette Get Your Rear in Gear started the Colon Cancer Coalition’s race year off with a bang. Local Event Director Johnathon Duhon and his group of dedicated volunteers put on a race to be remembered in Lafayette for the nearly 500 in attendance.
Walkers and runners braved a 10-15 degree temperature drop at race time and some showers to help support the cause. On the men’s side, Pete Stelly, of Youngsville, LA finished at the head of the pack with a time of 17:07. Women’s champion Tia Sims, of Leesville, LA blazed through the course at 22:23…not too shabby for a 10 year old.
Team The "C" Word
The Lafayette race featured a great amount of team support. Winner of the largest team was the red shirt clad, Road Saints. Team The “C” Word raised the most funds and also included the largest individual fundraiser Morgan Fogelman. With the race location on the University of Louisiana Lafayette Campus, the group of gals from sorority Phi Mu had an easy time getting noticed in their grey tshirts with pink lettering.
Team Nguyen
The Nguyen (pronounced “win”) team whose mantra was “In It to Nguyen It” was represented by the Nguyen family. Their mother, a colon cancer survivor, was the inspiration for race organizer Johnathon Duhon. The Nguyen’s happily accepted a plaque that dedicated the race to their mom.
It wouldn’t be a Cajun event without the traditional post-race party jambalaya. Racers enjoyed their fill and listened to lively music provided by DJ Mark Domingue.
Thanks to the support of local sponsors Cajun Road Runners Club, Fleet Feet Baton Rogue, KSMB FM 94.5, OncoLogics Inc., University of Louisiana Lafayette Alumni Association, Super 1 Foods, Budweiser, Great Harvest Bread, Coca Cola, Gastroenterology Clinic of Acadiana, Cajun Spine & Sport and comprehensive coverage by Lafayette newspaper The Advertiser, KATC TV and KLFY TV the race was success.
Largest team, the Road Saints
Ten year old winner Tia Sims
Race winner Pete Stelly
