"If you can't run with the Big Dogs, don't get off the porch!"

Challenge #1
ATC Peachtree City 5K Race

The first race of the Big Dogs was a real dog fight. The Big Dogs were equally matched, but the favorite was Bill Anderson. With a history of blazingly fast 5k's and his experience with racing, everyone thought he was the person to beat. Ed Finucan was expected to give him challenge but was expected to fade. Normer Adams and Trish Vlastnik were not expected to be any challenge. The racing field was crowded with over 300 athletes racing in both the ATC 5K and 10K races.

At start all the Big Dogs were within sight of each other. Adams had the best start. They all past through the first mile in 6:18. No one was expecting to see Adams leading the pack. Finucan, not liking to run from behind, took the lead at the 1.5 mile mark. Anderson stayed within a smell's breath hoping for an opportunity to overtake. Adams continued to nip at Finucan's heals through mile two. Overtaking Finucan just past a foot bridge, he takes the lead by about 10 yards. Finucan hounded Adams to the three mile mark where he again resumes the lead.

With the finish shute in sight, the Big Dogs of Adams and Finucan push for the lead. Anderson was about 20 seconds behind. Adams gave one last push 100 yards from the finish. Gaining on Finucan, Adams could not escape the Finucans dogged stare. Finucan out sprints Adams to the finish.

Finucan wins with a time of 19:46, Adams comes in second with a 19:48, Bill Anderson comes in third with a time of 20:06, and Trish Vlastnik at the rear of the pack with a time of 20:46.

The Big Dogs celebrated with Finucan on taking the Top Dog Award. Julia Emmons, Executive Director of the ATC, presented the Top Dog to Finucan.