James Clemens sponsors Last Chance Cross Country 5K Run/Walk

In a year of ‘firsts,’ James Clemens High School is sponsoring its first Last Chance Cross Country 5K Run/Walk on Oct. 27 at 3 p.m. at Palmer Park.

Last Chance Cross Country 5K Run/Walk will be held Oct. 27.

The Last Chance run is Madison’s first cross country meet at a city park with races for the community. All ages can run and walk, along with middle and high school divisions, head cross country coach Drew Bell said. Bell teaches science at James Clemens and coaches track and field.

The entire course is inside Palmer Park.

“We’re ecstatic and excited to offer this race and opportunity to the people of Madison and the Huntsville area,” Bell said. “This race will continue to grow each and every year.”

The race name coincides with the last Saturday in the regular cross country season before the sectional meet. “This is the ‘last chance’ runners have to improve their position or time on their team,” Bell said. “This also is the last chance that runners will have to race, unless they’re in the top 10 runners on their team.”

In the open race, Fleet Feet Sports will provide award cards. High school runners will receive medals and T-shirts.

On the first day of practice, Bell started with eight cross country runners. Now, 40 runners are on this first-year team. The current top 10 varsity runners, in order of best time, include these students:

* Boys — Skyler Schmidt, senior, Jase Bell, eighth; Korey Shively, seventh; Kearva Beckwith, senior; Jacob Laney, sophomore; Jackson Dennis, sophomore; Shawn Ogden, junior; Chase Smitherman, eighth; Alex Garcia, sophomore; and Thomas Draper, freshman.

* Girls — Casey Campbell, sophomore; Isabella Mclay, sophomore; Rebekah Clemens, eighth; Cassidy Bates, freshman; Ella Engstrom, freshman; Adan Youngblood, eighth; Rachel Clardy, freshman; Skyler Laney, freshman; Samantha Burns, seventh; and Hae Gi Oh, seventh.

In Alabama’s Class 6A, 44 girls’ teams compete. “James Clemens girls have climbed to 18th in state rankings,” Bell said.

Entry fee for the Last Chance run is $25. Race proceeds will benefit the James Clemens cross country program.

Sponsors are Fleet Feet Sports, Alabama Track Club and Rocket Running. Organizers are still accepting sponsorships.

For more information, visit JamesClemensLastChance5K.com.