Technical Tidbits 7/5: 50th Peachtree Road Race One For The Record Books; More Recruiting News

So, earlier in the week we discussed the AJC Peachtree Road Race and the numerous connections to Georgia Tech. It was founded by a Tech graduate. Head coach Geoff Collins’ father ran in the first one in 1970.

Yesterday was the 50th running of the 10k race. Several Georgia Tech staff and athletes were among participants planning to compete in the race. Among the interesting takes on the race, Joeleen Akin, the Associate Athletic Director of Student-Athlete Development provided this one:

“It’s almost blasphemous to be a runner living in Atlanta and not participate in the Peachtree Road Race. It is the only time I will run a 10k because I love the atmosphere and the people. My favorite tradition is meeting my family at the Brookhaven MARTA station after I’m done and claiming my free waffle from Waffle House!”

Just one waffle wouldn’t cut it for me after running a 10k. But maybe that’s why I’m not in shape to run a 10k. Anyway, yesterday’s race proved to be special. The winner of the men’s elite race was 19-year-old Rhonex Kirpruto of Kenya. According to the Atlanta Track Club, his unofficial 27:01 time is a new record. That’s also apparently the fastest time to be run on American soil. Impressive.

This story was interesting as it displays the ingenuity and savviness of Tech students. Several students were able to take advantage of a promo by the University System of Georgia (USG) and Fitbit to receive free Fitbits.

Some, of course, took advantage of it to get multiple Fitbits. I can’t say I condone that, but when the promoters don’t put in place appropriate safeguards to prevent such abuse, you’d have to expect something like that to happen. (Someone can now use their Fitbit to monitor how many calories are burned selling Fitbits on Ebay).

I have to say, Fitbit’s handling of the debacle was a lot more classy than that of USG. Not entirely surprising.

So, let us wrap up this week with some football recruiting news. Yesterday, two four-star recruits expressed their interest in Georgia Tech:

Len’Neth Whitehead is a 6’1”, 230-pound linebacker. He’s ranked the 8th inside linebacker in the country and 218th overall recruit of 2020.

Kamar Wilcoxson is a 6’2” 190-pound four-star cornerback out of Stone Mountain, Ga. Georgia Tech has made the top-10 for both of these gentlemen. The announcements came out on the 4th of July. #GoJackets

And finally, we’d like to wish the USWNT good luck on their quest for another World Cup. They will play the Netherlands in the Finals this coming Sunday.