QUITMAN —
The sound of banging skillets echoed throughout Downtown Quitman in the wee hours of Saturday morning as locals rallied to support nearly 50 runners participating in the Second Annual Cast Iron 5K sponsored by the Boys and Girls Club.
“The Cast Iron 5K kicks off the month’s events for the Skillet Festival,” said Nick Jones, area director of the Brooks County Boys and Girls Club.
Destination Brooks President Lauren Basford said the Skillet Festival is a significant event for Brooks County.
“It is significant because it is meant to highlight our local agriculture and fine Southern cuisine,” said Basford.
Whether or not the lean and swift 5K runners make a habit of eating Southern cuisine often, they came out full force to show support for Quitman, the Skillet Festival and to raise money for the local Boys and Girls Club which received all of the proceeds from runner sponsorships and donations.
“This is my first race,” said Carli Alley. “I wanted to try it at least one time.”
While newcomer Alley ran for fun with her mom and dad, others took the event quite seriously such as the overall winner of the event known only as the Masked Avenger.
“I run almost every 5K,” said the Masked Avenger.
Just as his name suggests, the Masked Avenger wears a red mask over his face complete with a white, spiked mohawk.
“It’s my thing,” said the Masked Avenger.
While he didn’t break the course record of 17 minutes 50 seconds, he wasn’t too disappointed considering he was the one who set the record last year.
“I ran about 18:27 today,” said the Masked Avenger.
While the Mexican-style wrestling mask was unusual, it came a close second to the locals who gathered along North Court Street, Courtland Avenue, North Webster Street and Lafeyette Street banging on skillets, pots and pans enthusiastically. Saturday’s Cast Iron 5K just goes to show you that there truly is no place in the world like Quitman.
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