8th Annual Sweetness 5K run/walk draws crowd of 300

Taylor Bembery
Associate Editor

Cold and damp weather did not stop 300 runners and walkers from coming together for one common goal — to fight against obesity during the 8th Annual Walter Payton Sweetness 5K Run/Walk and One Mile Fun Run on March 29.

Hosted by the Walter Payton Recreation and Wellness Center at Jackson State University, this event was the culmination of a week of fitness and health-related activities that were designed to get the community and students aware of their health and to kick start their journey to healthier lifestyles.

Mississippi continues to reign at “the fattest state” in the country and studies show that 34.9 percent of its residents weighed in as obese in 2012. This percentage has more than doubled in the last 20 years, from 15 to 35 percent since 1991. Mississippi also tips the scales with the most obese children of all states.

Rachel Cowan, Director of the Payton Center, said this year’s increased participation in the run/walk is an indication that people are fighting back and aware of the obesity epidemic.

“We continue to have this walk every year to brand it and keep it going and also bring awareness in this community because “Sweetness” is the only 5k in this community. Obesity is the root of the problem. It grows and out stems all these other chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. So if you kill the root of the problem and stay aware, you wouldn’t have to worry about developing those issues,” said Cowan.

Many students had personal reasons for participating in the run/walk.

Mary Thompson, a junior English major from Jackson, Miss., and walker in the 5k was encouraged to participate by her dad, Robert Thompson, who ran also in the 5k.

“He runs marathons in different cities and states. He is 57 years old and I am 20 years old. I am trying to slowly but surely get to where he is. It’s a great experience to see peers and church members and people of the community out here running and working towards the same goal,” said Thompson.

Jalen Ross, a 12-year-old who attends Byram Middle School and overall winner in the 1 Mile Fun Run, explained why being active is important to him.

“I got into running in August 2013. I am currently on the track team at my school so I can stay in shape. Being active is so important so I can grow to be healthy later in life,” said Ross.

After the run/walk, other festivities held included healthy cooking demonstrations, music, health fair, and an awards ceremony.

Interim Mayor, Charles Tillman, was the speaker at the event and gave out trophies to runners and walkers that placed in the 5k.  Tillman shared his own views about the importance of health.

“Exercising, dieting, knowing your medical condition, getting your check-ups are important. What tastes good to you might not be good for you. When I tell people my age they kind of start looking.  I am 81 years old. I keep up with what I eat, my physical activity, and involvement in my community,” said Tillman.

Proceeds from the run/walk will go towards the Live Well Fund. This fund awards annual scholarships for youth ages 6yrs-16yrs to participate in the JSU Camp Tiger Tails Summer Program. It also provides membership to qualified candidates who are obese and/or diagnosed with obesity-related illnesses.  The Live Well Fund also provides access to preventive healthcare and personal health management through fitness, education, and weight management programs at the Walter Payton Center.

Results of the race: Overall Male Runner: William Kazery 16:4, Overall Female Runner: Chloe Brown 22:10, Overall Male Walker: Bennett Randman 33:06, Overall

Female Walker: Donna Gonzales 36:03, Overall Running Team, Go Arm 59:21: Tommie Johnson, Alex Crawford, Ocie Stevenson, Jayland Young, Joseph Thomas, Overall Walking Team: GBTC4 2:15:30 Abbie Cattenhead, Johnny Cattonhead, Makeicha McWilliams, Overall Male 1 Mile Fun Run: Jalen Ross 5:43, Overall Female 1 Mile Fun Run: Ariana Baldwin 5:47

Michael Gorden contributed to this story.

8th Annual Sweetness 5K run/walk (YouTube VIDEO): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E16gZ39WglA