Gilmer High runners battled the heat to begin their cross-country season.
GHS made its way up Hwy. 515 to Blairsville last Thursday for the annual Run to the Hills 5K. Multiple teams pulled out of the event because of the rising temperatures, and Union County won the boys and girls races. The Bobcats and Lady Cats both placed second in their respective standings, and Towns County was third.
Bobcat Dawson Richard led the boys race from start to finish and clocked in at 20 minutes. Next up was Leeland Dantin in 10th (22:44), and he was followed by teammates Seth Turner (11th, 22:49), Jeremy Martinez (12th, 23:11) and Eder Martinez (13th, 23:12).
Salma Gonzalez led the way for the Lady Cats. She turned in a runner-up time of 26:31. Estephany Becerra (26:53) was not very far behind in fourth. Also scoring team points were Jennifer Garcia (8th, 29:03), Allison Hernandez (10th, 29:47) and Jayla Walker (15th, 32:26).
GHS and Clear Creek runners gathered at Huff-Mosley Memorial Stadium for a lap-a-thon fundraiser. Runners had 90 minutes, and Richard tied the record of 13:75 miles previously set by GHS alum Carlos Cruz.
The annual event experienced the most runners ever to eclipse 10 miles, according to coach Tommy Jones.
GHS will host the North Georgia Championships Thursday at CCMS beginning at 4 p.m.