Earlier on the track, the Murfreesboro Police Department sincerely apologized for their mistake in blocking the correct turn on the course. The Middle Half is a certified course… today’s mistake was human error. We’ll let you know more here as we can. Thanks for your patience and understanding!
Congratulations finishers! Great day for a run! We’re aware of the situation about the length of the course – and will notify you here about rectifying the situation.
WGNS's Bart Walker was live on the scene when the record breaking 2,500 runners began the Fifth Annual Middle Half Marathon . . .
NOTICE: Some changes in positions and timing might occur, based on decisions by the Middle Half committee looking into the problem created when police sent some runners on a different route. WGNS News will keep you informed.
(above) 2,500 runners and 2 wheel chair athletes pause for comments from city officials, a prayer and the singing of our National Anthem. (below) Murfreesboro City Manager Rob Lyons (holding microphone) makes opening comments, while Parks and Recreation Director Lanny Goodwin (left) watches.
The Race Is On
Wheelchair Race:
1. Matthew Porterfield from Knoxville, TN
2. Matt Davis from Bowling Green, KY
UNOFFICIAL Results (may change after investigation)
First Five Runners to Cross Finish Line (all were males)
1. Daniel Kirwa (age 20) from Searcy, AR (time 1:07:08)
2. Joseph Maina (age 25) from Richmond, KY (time 1:08:14)
3. Michah Tirop (age 25) from Murfreesboro, TN (time 1:10:11)
4. Nathan Pennington (age 35) from Clarksville, TN (time 1:11:37)
5. Festus Chemaci (age 20) from Murfreesboro, TN (time 1:12:04)
Top Five Femal Runners:
1. Anneli Morrison from Chatnooga, TN
2. Katherine Pagano from Richmond, KY
3. Marjorie Rockwell from Murfreesboro, TN
4. Emily Ryan from Brentwood, TN
5. Taylor Vroman from Murfreesboro, TN
The Winner's Circle
(ABOVE) Matthew Porterfield of Knoxville was the first place wheel chair athlete.
(BELOW) 20-year old Daniel Kirwa from Searcy, Arkansas was the first runner to cross the finish line. His time 1:07:08.
Murph's Fun Run
And while the adults were knocking down a 13.1 mile tour of historic Murfreesboro, the kids were participating in Murph's Fun Run. City TV's popular rabbit, Murph, and his close friend Nancy Phillips (below), spent the morning with a 1-mile run and then games around the inflatables that were set-up in the enclosed area beside the Dean A. Hayes Track and Field Stadium on the MTSU campus.
