October 7, 2017
Race Info: The Grey Ghost 5k presented by Tri Star Bank is named for General John Bell Hood. He was the commander of the Confederate troops stationed in Spring Hill (at Oaklawn Plantation) and charged with not allowing the Union forces to get north to Franklin and eventually Nashville. Many say he had been wounded in battle and was either intoxicated or delirious from pain medication, but the Union soldiers crept within 200 yards of Oaklawn and got past his soldiers. The next day the Battle of Franklin took place, which many say was a huge pivotal point in the war.
Beneficiary: Partners 4 Parks is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, passionate group that seeks to promote health and wellness through the enhancement of passive and active parks, greenways, open space and recreational activities in the Williamson and Maury County communities of Spring Hill and Thompson’s Station, TN. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for the residents in the Williamson and Maury County communities of Spring Hill and Thompson’s Station, TN by promoting health and wellness through the development of passive and active parks, greenways, open space and recreational activities.
- 7 AM Registration & Packet Pickup
- 8 AM Grey Ghost 5k (Runners begin first, followed by walkers)
- 9:00 AM Awards Presentation for 5K
- 9:30 AM Goblin Gallop 1K
- 9:50 AM Goblin Gallop 1/2K
- 10:00 – 11:30 AM Enjoy the Kid’s Zone and the Oaklawn Property
- 11:30 AM Event Closes
Please note: The race location is Oaklawn Plantation at 3331 Denning Lane, between Kedron Pkwy. and Hwy. 31. Please enter from Kedron Pkwy. and turn right at the first entrance to Oaklawn for parking. Denning Lane will be blocked off from Hwy. 31.
Brought to you by: Church of the City
Make sure to bring the whole family on race day because this year’s Grey Ghost 5k has something for everyone! Bring the kids over to the Kids Zone, where they can bounce around in one of the inflatables or try their hands at carnival- style games like Turkey Shoot and ring toss — all for free!
The Kids Zone is run by Church of the City and Boing Boing Inflatables as an expression of their heart for our Spring Hill community. For more information, check out their website through the link below or feel free to ask any of the workers on Race Day.
The Goblin Gallop gives children two race choices based on age and fitness level. Our first run, that takes place immediately following the Grey Ghost 5K Awards Ceremony, and is for children in 2nd – 5th grades. This course is approximately 1K in distance and encompasses much of the Oaklawn property.
At the conclusion of the 1K run, our Pre-K, Kindergarteners and 1st graders will run a 1/2K loop around the main house property. We encourage the kids to watch the weather the night before and dress appropriately. The run takes place rain or shine…30 degrees or 70 degrees. Parents are welcomed to run with their children in the younger age groups. Family friendly Halloween costumes are always welcomed. Last year’s Goblin Gallop had over 500 runners! Runners receive a finish line token at the end of the race.
Please Note: All children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult 18 and older at all times. Parents participating in the 5k must arrange for supervision during the race.
RACE AWARDS
Beautiful Grey Ghost plagues are awarded for 1st place in each age group (men’s and women’s) in 5 year increments starting at 9 – 10 going all the way to 75+. Men’s Overall, Women’s Overall, and Master’s Awards are also presented.
Many of of area elementary schools have Run Clubs leading up to the race. This is a wonderful way for schools to get students involved in the excitement of the race and physical fitness!
Students log their miles running before school and the school with the most students wins The Grey Ghost Cup.
A huge thank you to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for sponsoring and providing this year’s mileage logs, after school snack ideas and mileage tokens to the schools for the kids that run.
Schools participating will also receive a check from Rotary Club of Spring Hill/Thompson’s Station for $3 for each child that registers for the run from their school to be used to purchase gym equipment.
The photo below is the gym teacher from Longview Elementary (2011 winner) and the gym teacher from Bethesda (2012 winner) fighting over the trophy!