CHATTANOGA, Tenn. --- Chattanooga distance runner Chris Berry isn't resting during the off season. Instead the recent University of Tennessee at Chattanooga graduate and current track star is continuing his training.
Berry, a native of Murfreesboro, Tenn., claimed the overall male title at the 32nd annual Karen Lawrence Run benefitting the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. The All-Southern Conference performer ran the four-mile course in Downtown Chattanooga in a time of 20:09, one minute-17 seconds ahead of second place finisher Michael Walker's time of 21:26. Willie Ibechilly placed third overall with a time of 21:50 in the evening race.
Former Southern Conference Female Athlete of the Year Lanni Marchant placed seventh overall in the four-miler with a time of 23:21 followed by NCAA qualifier Anneli Uys who was 14th overall with a time of 24:24. All-conference performer Tara Gietema was the third female to cross the line with a time of 24:40, 16th overall.
Berry, with another year-and-a-half of eligibility, also won the race in 2008 but missed last year due to a stress fracture. Despite a significant snowfall just six days earlier, the temperatures for the race Friday night was in the 50s and a bit breezy.
The indoor track and field season begins Jan. 22 at Middle Tennessee State in Murfreesboro, Tenn.
