Elmejdoubi takes 10K Run For Hope

By By Jeff Byrd / staff writer
Nov. 18, 2002
Former Meridian resident and current world class runner Yousri Elmejdoubi won the 10K Run For Hope on Saturday at Bonita Lakes.
The win was the 27-year-old Elmejdoubi's second in the city this year. He earlier won the Raider Run at Lamar School back in April.
On Saturday, Elmejdoubi clocked the 10K distance in 35:06, over seven minutes better than the second-place finisher. Elmejdoubi has a running contract with Italian shoe-maker Fila and races worldwide.
Mike Thrailkill, 38, was second at 42:42. Stephen Ray, 20, was third at 43:50. Alex Roloft, 25, was fourth in 44:16 and Mike Neal, 51, was fifth at 44:31.
Lamar School's John Blubaugh, was the top youth runner in sixth place with a time of 45:02.
The top female runner was Deb Osteen who finished seventh in a time of 45:48.
Bryan Holladay, 14, was ninth at 48:51 and 15-year-old Jeffrey Eifert rounded out the top 10 at 48:52.
Elmejdoubi was glad to be back in Meridian to help a good cause. Proceeds went to benefit the Hope Village for Children.
The race was run on a cool day with a strong wind.
Jake Watkins, 11, won the kids fun run. Sam Daniel was second.
The 2-mile walk was won by 58-year-old Larry Sykes in 19:38. Samuel Martin, 55, was second in 19:57. Fifteen-year-old Lindsey Province was the top female and top youth walker finishing third overall in 20:58.