Few events bring together as many Eatonton folks as the annual 5K for Kaye Swamp Stomp, scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 22 this year, beginning at Gatewood Schools before winding its way through downtown Eatonton and back.
The deadline to pre-register for $20 and be guaranteed an event t-shirtis Sept. 9, with registration then increasing to $25 through race day, and t-shirts available as long as supplies last. Runners also may choose to register anytime for a $20 “no shirt” fee. Registration forms are available online at runsignup.com/Race/GA/ Eatonton/GatewoodSwamp-Stomp5KandFunRun.
The annual event, first held in 2008, celebrates the memory of Kaye Gregory Cheshire, a cherished Gatewood graduate and 4th-grade teacher. The daughter of Jerry and the late Donna Gregory of Eatonton, Kaye made a lasting impact at Gatewood through her remarkable achievements as both an athlete and scholar. A Class of ’85 honor graduate and a member of the Gatewood Hall of Fame, Kaye distinguished herself in both academics and sports.
During her time at Gatewood, Kaye played a key role in the school’s athletic success, contributing to region track championships from 8th to 11th grades and securing three state championships. The girls’ basketball team won three region titles and one state championship with Kaye’s help, and in her senior year she was named to the All-Region basketball team. She also played softball during her junior and senior years.
In 2009, the Kaye Gregory Cheshire Girls Fitness Center was established on the Gatewood campus to honor her profound influence on the school’s athletic programs and her commitment to fostering young talent.
Kaye and her husband, Mark Cheshire, had three children – Hope, Ross, and Caleb – each a Gatewood graduate, too. This annual event is a heartfelt tribute to Kaye’s legacy, made even more poignant by the recent loss of their daughter Hope earlier this year.
The 1-mile Fun Run for all ages begins at 2:30 p.m., with prizes awarded to runners 10 and under. The 5K follows at 3 p.m., with awards going to Overall and Masters, male/ female; Overall Gatewood Student, male/female;Overall Gatewood Alumnus, male/ female; and top finishers in age groups ranging from ages 8 and under, to 75 and over.
For more information about this year’s Gatewood 5K for Kay Swamp Stomp and Fun Run, call Jill Brackett at 706- 473-1612.
– Contributed