As the runners took their places on Saturday May 4, 2019, Union County Chamber President Thomas Sibinski's vision of Union County’s first 10k run became a reality. Thomas was looking to bring something different to town. With support from the Chamber board, a 10k, 5k and Fun Run was scheduled to start from Union County High School.

Runners left a little after 8:00am and followed the course down Hwy 33 through Miller's Chapel parking lot onto John Deer Ln before heading back. The 10K runners took the additional route of Beeler Hollow and Turner Hollow before heading to the finish line at Union County High School.

Entry fees for the races varied from $25 to $30, and a food donation for the fun run was accepted. A “portion of the proceeds go to the American Cancer Society [and] food is being accepted for the Union County Food Bank,” said Sibinski. The rest of the funds will be used to fund further Chamber efforts and to bring more events to the County. Additional funding and supplies were donated through sponsorships and the Knoxville Track Club was hired to help run the event.

Jim Hall of Knoxville took first place in the 10k. He went to high school in Union County in the early 90s and wanted to come back and support a local race. “Great race, beautiful day! Had a great time,” said Jim. Michael Griffo of Knoxville took second place in the 10k run and Stephanie Hall a graduate of Union County High School come in third place in the 10k run. “That hill was terrible. It was rough,” said Stephanie.

Scott Trama of Knoxville took first place in the 5k run. “The course is beautiful. I think you kinda see a lot of what Union County has in terms of nature with the rolling hills and the farm land and stuff like that. It was nice,” said Scott. Tanya Bruner of Alcoa grew up in Maynardville and went to Union County High School. “I come home to run the 5k,” said Tanya. She took second place in the 5k. Doug Bowling of Union County took third place in the 5k. “When I saw there was a race in Union County I wanted to come out and support it. Both of my parents were teachers in Union County, Jennie and Terry Bowling. My mom passed away last year from breast cancer and I started running to honor her,” said Doug.

Thomas Sibinski presented the engraved wooden metals donated by Chamber Board Member Martin Shafer. The weather was nice and the inaugural race of 2019 was a success. It's expected that next year's race will be even better.