Hufstetler sets new time in one-mile run

THOMASVILLE- Runners from across the south gathered in downtown Thomasville for the annual Rose City Run on Saturday, trekking on a ten thousand meter track that took them downtown, onto Pinetree Blvd. and Clay Street, before finishing at the famous Big Oak.

This year marked the 46th anniversary of the run, which has become a staple for the City of Thomasville and 10K runners from across the area. It was also a record-breaking day for children in the one-mile run.

Christopher Haynes of Florida won the 10K overall. He finished with a time of 32:23:37, pacing himself with a 5:13 mile.

This marked the fifth win for Haynes, who previously claimed the title in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2022. Haynes is on a mission to beat the record set by Jessie Close, who won eight times over the years. However, he ultimately would like to beat Herb Willis’ 10,000-meter run time of 29:56, which was a record set back in 1987.

Brian Miller of Americus, who went home the winner of last year’s Rose City Run, placed second, finishing just a minute after Haynes with a time of 33:48.28, and a pace of 5:27.

Mason Tillman was the first male finisher from Thomasville, placing 10th overall and first in his division with a time of 38:54.66

Anna James of Thomasville was the first female finisher of the 10K. With a time of 38:59.38 and a pace of 6:17, she finished 11th overall.

However, the main event wasn’t the 10K this year.

The Rose City Run’s Kids One Mile Race concluded with a first- a female winner.

Caroline Hufstetler, who steadily held onto first place, ended the race in a photo finish with Jasper Sadler. The two sprinted to the finish line, where Hufstetler was seconds ahead, clocking a time of 5:52.27, while Sadler finished with a time of 5:52.72. Not only did Hufstetler become the first female winner, she additionally set a new course record, held previously by Allie Hunter.

Hunter held a time of 5:53 and has boasted the record since 1987.

Race Director, Dr. Jim Story was ecstatic to hear of a new record, especially by a female.

“There have been no records set or broken in the past 23 years,” he said. “It is just a great thing for the ladies to get this.”

Story recalled when the race first began, it would on average see 10% of the runners listed as females. Now, the races boast 40% of female runners.

“The ladies are taking over,” he laughed.

The women competing in the race and one-mile run are part of the nearly 450 who ran in Saturday’s events.

According to Story, 150 participants registered for the one-mile run, while 300 raced their way to the finish line in the 10K.

The runners came from across the U.S.

Story cited participants from more than 40 counties and cities, including runners from Florida and North Carolina.

Danny and Georgia Sangster traveled from Gold Hill, NC, and have been regular fixtures at the run for several years.

It was an exciting day for the longtime race director Story, who said they had more runners in every event, and he looks forward to Saturday’s Rose City Walk, where 600 individuals have already registered.

Story was proud to present his annual Race Director’s Award to the Thomas County Central Cross Country team, while the Joe Feinberg Award and Craig Hasty Award was presented to Jerger Elementary.

The final award, the Casey Cason Award, which is presented to the oldest participant who pre-registers, was presented to Tom Crine.

Story thanked everyone who came out to attend and be a part of the day’s festivities and is already looking forward to next year’s events.