Homewood Hosts 50th Vulcan Run, Celebrating Community and Health with Enthusiastic Participants

Homewood Celebrates 50 Years of the Vulcan Run with Enthusiastic Runners

Homewood, AL – This past Saturday marked a jubilant milestone as runners gathered for the 50th Vulcan Run, a beloved 10-kilometer event that has become a staple in the local community. With over 600 participants hitting the pavement, the atmosphere was lively and full of excitement, as the race made its debut in the charming streets of Homewood.

Old Timers and New Faces Join the Celebration

One of the stars of the day was Bill Bowman, a dedicated participant who has made the event a significant part of his life. With 40 races under his belt, Bowman, an 81-year-old from Mountain Brook, is a testament to the idea that age is just a number. “I didn’t dream that at 81, I’d be running 10 road races a year and playing one round of golf,” Bowman mentioned, chuckling about his journey from thinking runners were “crazy” to embracing the joy of running.

Joining him was Raymon Banks of Midfield, celebrating his birthday in style with his very first Vulcan Run. “My birthday is on Nov. 3rd, and I always celebrate this 10K as it relates to my birthday,” he said. At 66 years old, Banks isn’t concerned about being the fastest; instead, he values balance and the camaraderie that comes from running.

Pro Runners Steal the Spotlight

Among the competitive crowd, Solomon Kagimbi made waves as the men’s open division winner, finishing the race in a speedy 31 minutes and 8.73 seconds. “This was only my second time in Alabama,” he said, reflecting on the challenging course. Sarah Crouch, a seasoned marathon runner, took the women’s open division title with a time of 36 minutes and 25.82 seconds. “This was my first Vulcan Run, and I loved it. The hills were tough, but the beautiful scenery kept me going!”

Runners Share Their Unique Experiences

The day was not without its fun and quirky moments. Whitney Hill, who bravely tackled the race despite her reservations, exclaimed at the finish line, “Remind me to never do this again!” adding a laugh about how much the challenge meant to her in hindsight. Meanwhile, Pelham’s Jaycie Watts showcased her humor and determination by donning a T-shirt that read, I Hate Running. “I have mental health issues,” she said with a chuckle, “I literally run away from my problems!”

A Course with Some Challenge

The course, described by participants as hilly, surprised many on its challenging sections. Thompson High School’s track coach, Josh Evans, remarked on the “surprise after Mile 4,” hinting at the course’s difficulty. Race director Hunter Bridwell acknowledged this feedback and mentioned potential changes for next year’s route to help ease the strain on future runners.

A Milestone Celebration with Many Cheers

The 50th Vulcan Run wasn’t just about competition; it was a celebration of community and health. With families cheering on their loved ones, including a touching moment when 62-year-old Ryan Whitley was greeted by his grandson at the finish line, the event truly brought people together. Whitley, a pastor, said his running journey is about setting a positive example for his family, showing that fitness can be fun at any age.

Looking Ahead to the Future

As this year’s race concluded, Hunter Bridwell expressed gratitude to the Homewood community for their support and enthusiasm. With plans in place for next year, including a potential new route to keep things fresh, the Vulcan Run continues to hold a cherished place in the hearts of runners, old and new. “We’re pleased with our route and how everything shook out. Homewood was very easy to work with, and we’re thankful to them for having us out here,” Bridwell stated.

As the dust settles from an exciting day, runners and spectators alike are already thinking ahead to next year’s race. With a wonderful mix of competition, camaraderie, and community spirit, the Vulcan Run is set to continue its legacy for years to come!