By Jessica Moore

Staff Writer

You may have noticed the many people walking through Lewisburg, beginning July 11.

In my curiosity I found a walker on Nashville Highway, and began to walk with her. Her name is Marcia and this is what she said . . .

The runners are in a competition called The Last Annual Vol State Road Race; only it's not a race, and it definitely won't be the last one. This is a running joke among the organizers and those who participate. This is a race that has occurred every year since 1981. With that said, how have so many of us missed it? Marcia shares some possible insight to that question.

This year they have a total of just over 50 participants. They have never had a group this big in the past, which is probably why they are so much more noticeable than before. The race began July 11 and will continue until July 21, giving them 10 full days to complete the 314 mile, or 500K, trip across the southeast. The race began in Dorena Landing, Miss., and will end in Castle Rock, Ga.

Anyone interested is welcome to give it a try. There is no entry fee to participate. There are no prizes to be won, and there are no aid stations along the way. You are basically on your own, either by yourself or with a team. Some have chosen to run the race as a relay, others are raising money for their favorite charities. If you are like Marcia, a native of California, you just join for the sheer fun of an adventure through Tennessee and a good time with friends.

As I was walking with her, so many vehicles flew by that I became a little nervous."This can be a bit dangerous, I imagine," I said to her.

"Yes, a bit dangerous, but mostly hot!" replied Marcia.

After being asked how many miles they lack until the finish line she stated, "At this point, about 100 miles to go."

She began to explain that some, including herself, stop every night for a room to sleep. Others like the second group I came across just play it by ear. The group of three stated that they have slept everywhere from pallets on the side of the road to random barns.

A lady from Seymour, Tenn., said that one year she slept in a port-a-potty just to escape the rain. She is making the trip as a testament to herself. This is her third year to participate.

A man traveling from Sarasota, Fla., said to him, "It is very spiritual, you have lots of time for reflection."

Joe Kowalski of Cincinnati, Ohio, explained that he has decided to run this year to raise money for the AFSP, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. This is his very first year to join.

Overall they seemed to agree that they do it for personal enrichment, they are dedicated runners, and they love a challenge.