McWilliams breaks state record

By Staff
Kim West
Franklin County Times
FLORENCE – Former Red Bay High School runner Tiffany McWilliams continues to break records.
McWilliams, 25, shattered her own state record Saturday at McFarland Park in the 1-Mile Riverbottom Burnout when she crossed the finish line in just 4:41.78, which was seven seconds faster than her previous record set in 2005 at the same course.
"Many records have been completed on the Burnout course – this happens to be the fastest mile in the state, and a (Road Runners Club of America) state championship race," said Gary House, race director.
House said the certified race attracts a variety of runners.
"It's an open race that is scored and directed by (the Tennesee River Athletic Club), and we get participation from everyone to a 3-year-old up to the older age groups."
McWilliams, a former Mississippi State University track star, finished more than seven seconds faster than 24-year-old Heath White (4:49.89), who was a top runner on the University of North Alabama cross-country team from 2003-06.
McWilliams, who now runs professionally, won eight individual state championships for Red Bay High School from 2000-01 and captured the NCAA national championship in the 1500-meters in 2003 for MSU.
"It's amazing that we have a pro runner that comes home every year and runs this race, and she had just returned home from Japan," said House, a TRAC member. "She's such a sweet and great person once you get to know her, and it says a lot about her personality that as recognized as she is, she still thinks enough about this area to come back and race.
"Her dad told me she really enjoys doing the race because a lot of cross-country runners and kids come to the race. She's a role model to them, and it says a lot about her personality."