TOP PHOTO: Thanks to the many sponsors of the Cove Lake 5K.

Elizabeth Asbury, chancellor for the 8th Judicial District, fires the starter pistol to open the race and then quickly joins the field of more than 200 participants in the 2021 Cove Lake 5K.

CARYVILLE, TN (WLAF) – On a sunny morning with friendly temperatures and humidity, a field of 242 runners lined up at 8am for the 23rd Cove Lake State Park 5K. The field ranged in age from 6 to 79.

The registration area, finish line and refreshment tables are across the way.
Cove Lake Park Manager Casey Hatmaker along with Keith Ellison (blue shirt) welcome a runner to the park early on Saturday morning.
Race Director Clarence Lowe shares some last minute instructions.

“This was a really good turnout. You know the record is 305,” said Race Director Clarence Lowe.

Timothy Rutherford (left) gets ready to run while Jim Pierce is set to hand out the awards a bit later. Ron Fuller, owner of Total Race Solutions, is back for another of his many Cove Lake 5K events.
Cancer survivor Terry Farmer (4031) from Tallassee had a goal to walk the Cove Lake 5K and accomplished it on Saturday. Cindy Boshears of Clinton looks on.
Mary Teffeteller of Maryville (left) walked the 5K with Terry Farmer. “Terry spent 100-days at Vanderbilt Medical Center under going a bone marrow transplant,” said Race Director Clarence Lowe.
Jim Pierce has been a part of the Cove Lake 5K since its inception. He presented awards on Saturday morning.
Kathy Wolski of Knoxville finished first in the women’s division and third overall in the 23rd Cove Lake 5K.
Former Cougar and current ETSU Buc Gavin Cooper won Saturday’s Cove Lake 5K.
In Saturday’s Cove Lake 5K, Cougar Football Coach Justin Price annually runs in the Cove Lake event. The coach finished 8th.

The money raised from the race benefits the Friends of Cove Lake State Park fund. These dollars go toward helping to enhance the park. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 06/21/2021-6AM)