Over 1,200 runners finished the Oak Barrel Half Marathon this year

Lynchburg resident Randa Prater is all smiles near the finish line at the Oak Barrel Half Marathon on Saturday. (Photo Courtesy of Greg Gelmis and the Mach Tenn Running Club)

LYNCHBURG, Tenn. — The thirteenth annual Oak Barrel Half Marathon enjoyed another successful race on Saturday welcoming over 1,200 runners and their families into historic, downtown Lynchburg. The races attracted people from Tennessee and numerous other states including Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Christian Thompson of Ooltewah managed the top overall time – finishing at the 01:08:14 mark. Josh Whitehead of Madison, Alabama placed second overall and Nathan Wanuch of Huntland placed third overall. Those three were also the top men’s finishers. The top women’s finisher was Margaret Drewes of Nashville, who crossed the line at 1:29:52. Rachel Mason of Signal Mountain had the second best women’s finish followed by Natalie Klags of Overland Park, Kansas.

The top finisher from Lynchburg was Lane Horton who finished at 1:34:37. He finished 35th overall. He also finished fourth in the 25-29 age category. Other local runners were Randa Prater, Jordan Wood, Brandon Scott, Dorie Lund, Gabrielle Authier, Holly Wade, Hope Demetris, Joel Sanders, Pierce Green, Sarah Sanders, Bob Jared, Lee Leonard, Eddie Simmons, Brea Walker, and Clarissa Deal,

For complete 2022 race results, click here. Registration for the 2023 race generally opens in October. You can get updates at their Facebook page or on their website. •

{The Lynchburg Times is the only independently owned and operated newspaper in Lynchburg. We cover Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}