Harold Tucker 50K, "World's Longest Beach Run"
Cocoa Beach FL, Dec. 27, 1997

1. Johnny Duncan, 35, Orlando FL         4:32:12
2. Greg Kaputa, 50, Tampa FL             4:49:48  1st Grandmaster
3. Jerry Grace, 41, Jacksonville FL      5:01:26  1st Master
4. Tristan Fiedler, 28, Key Biscayne FL  5:17:21
5. Matt Mahoney, 42, Melbourne FL        5:24:23
6. K. G. Nystrom, 59, Sweden             5:44:46
7. David Farrall, 49, Melbourne Beach FL 6:33:58
   John Dinnan, 40, Punta Gorda FL       DNF

Relay Team: 2 x 25 km
1. Angela Saldana, 70, Cocoa Beach FL
   Vicky Hoover, 55, Barefoot Bay FL     7:53:00  1st Female

The leader, Johnny Duncan, stayed behind Matt Mahoney 
till mile 9 then took the lead position the rest of the
way for a final time of 4:32:12.  This was a slower 
time than usual but the weather conditions were wet and
windy.  At the starting "ready, set, go" the rain took 
it personal and started too.  Going into the wind, as 
they all headed south to the Paradise Park turn-around 
at Satellite Beach, made it a long first half that took 
it's toll on the runners.

Greg Kaputa, 50, ran a very steady race.
Though he was falling slowing back when compared to 
Johnny Duncan, he ran his own race and somewhere between 
mile 19 and 22 his steady pace brought him past Matt 
Mahoney then Jerry Grace by mile 25.  

David Farrall ran his very first ultra and may have 
gotten caught up in the excitement being 4th at mile 6 
and 3rd at mile 9.  He knew it was a harder race that
he had expected by the time he reached the turn around. 
Finishing at 6:33:58 on the beach, in the rain and wind, 
is a great start.

Jerry Grace from Jacksonville made his first trip to our 
Beach Run.  He stayed in the top three leaders from 
start to finish.  

I'm sure the weather conditions hindered many a 
good-intentioned runner from arriving at the starting 
line.  Our prayer was that lighting wouldn't come into 
the area.  That prayer answered, we all weathered the storm.
As we ran north toward the finish at Sidney Fischer Park at 
Cocoa Beach, we were watching hugh dark clouds ahead.  
Merritt Island, about 15 miles to the north, was having 
a tornado with their rain storm.

The sand was in very good condition this year and we 
all beat the tide.  I had a whole 10 or 20 feet of beach 
in a couple of places.  Better than hanging from the 
seawall again.  Seagulls and sandpipers are better
company than terns too.  When sharing your bagel, be 
sure to toss the pieces to the sides or rear though. 

After crossing the finish line I  was determined to take 
a walk into the cold, pounding surf and found it does 
have it's benefits

Gary & Vicky Hoover, Co-Directors
Harold Tucker 50K - 12-27-97