By Patrick Conarro / Dahlonega Sunrise Rotary Club ----------------- Misty rain did not dampen the spirits of hundreds of runners on Saturday in Dahlonega at the 4th Annual Wimpy Mile. The event is hosted by Dahlonega Sunrise Rotary Club as a fundraiser for many local charities.
The final tally came in at 324 entries (up from 253 last year) in the race.
"We were quite happy with that number, and also with the stout sponsorship—more than 40 sponsors made it all possible," said Dahlonega Sunrise Rotary Club President Tracy Sanford.
Sanford’s family was on hand for this event, and he is already looking forward to next year.
“It was great to see everyone out supporting our club and our community on a challenging weather day,” he added.
In downtown Dahlonega’s Hancock Park, the pre-race mood was buoyant, with the powerful presence of the LCHS Band of Gold, led by Corey Jackson. Rotary member Clay Christy provided stellar entertainment throughout the morning with his PA and music work.
Brief interviews with notable attendees, including George Washington (played by Rotarian Ron Larson), UNG President Mike Shannon, and state Senator Steve Gooch, helped set the pre-race tone.
As Sunrise Rotary member Lance Bagley gave the “Go” signal at 10:00 a.m., the front line racers were off quickly.
However, most Wimpy Milers either jogged or walked the easy downhill course, which features the now-famous 178 vertical feet decline from start to finish.
Many children crossed the finish line and proudly collected their medals before heading to the school bus for a quick ride back to Hancock Park where post-race festivities were held.
Participants gave this year’s event quite favorable reviews.
Matt Mitchell ran with his 12-year-old daughter Kelsey, and said they will be back. “It's now a tradition,” he said.
James Copher of Cumming said the event gave him “a pleasant reason to get out and get some exercise, and then try a new restaurant in Dahlonega—and still be home by early afternoon.”
Bagley, who is also a Dahlonega City Councilman, proudly noted that “over 300 people signed up to take on the Wimpy Mile on a cool, misty Saturday morning.” He went on by noting that the finishers were “Young and old, parents pushing strollers, and even some pets”
RESULTS
Overall winner Matt Bird, 31, of Cumming, just missed collecting on the $500 challenge put forth by Rotary member David Robertson for a winning time under four minutes. Bird, who finished with a time of 4:07, said he will be back and next year will “train for the mile distance, which is not my usual event.”
Rounding out the top five finishers among the men were second place: Connor Smith, 18, with a time of 4:50; third place: Jake Penny, 19, with a time of 4:55; fourth place: James Smith, 47, with a time of 5:02 and fifth place: Keith Finch, 38, with a time of 5:12.
The top five finishers among the women were first place: Navaho Owen, 39, with a time of 5:43; second place: Brooke Austin, 29, with a time of 5:51; third place: Mary Lichtenwalder, 25, with a time of 5:56; fourth place: Emma Claire Beckworth, 11, with a time of 7:01; fifth place: Kierstin Powell, 13, with a time of 7:09.
The top finishers for male and female categories each won a gift card for $150 to BigPeach Running Company in Dawsonville. Second and third place finishers each earned a $25 Big Peach gift card.
Special award winners included Ralph Prescott, who earned the Dan Ashby Perseverance Award for completing the entire course using his walker. Bruce Longshore earned the Tim Kelly Sportsmanship Award for helping Prescott cover the distance.
Dahlonega resident Brett Melanson, owner of Underground Restaurant, was named Sponsor of the Year for 2025 for his strong support of the event.
Wes Pirkle's dog Ellie won the fastest pet finisher.
Bagley summed up the Wimpy Mile experience for many, saying “I survived the Wimpy Mile—and the community won!"
The Wimpy Mile has grown substantially in its four years, proving the unique character of the event, combined with the charm of Dahlonega, is a powerful draw.
When everything was said and done, many runners and Rotarians alike rendezvoused at 7-Pie restaurant for a boisterous post-event gathering.
Behind it all was the satisfaction of knowing that the event raised approximately $30,000, which will be distributed to many worthy causes in the local community.
And next year's event will arrive on February 14, 2026. Valentine's Day will be the day to challenge the Wimpy Mile again.