By Anderson Coleman/reporter

Even an early morning chill could not deter Gobble Wobble participants as they completed the annual 5K run and walk Nov. 17 on South Campus.

Contestants waiting for the 8:30 a.m. start heard words of encouragement from South Campus President Peter Jordan, who thanked them for participating.

This Gobble Wobble was the first for Jordan, who became president of South Campus in January.

“I think it’s a wonderful turnout for a cold, crisp morning,” he said. “I’m glad to see the amount of faculty, staff and students. This has been an annual event for the South Campus for years, and I’m hoping to expand that.”

TCC student Ralph Cooper was first to cross the finish line with Kevin Mbaka trailing right behind him.

“I was mainly out here to have fun and to have a friendly competition with my classmates,” Cooper said. “I feel that future students should come out and do this event. It’s not about placing. It’s just about coming out and having fun.”

Student Joe LaBerge, 49, has been running regularly for six years and said it’s good exercise.

“This is my second year running in a community race,” he said. “I’m an active runner, and I love to run with every chance I get.”

LaBerge thanked TCC for being a part of his running routine.

“Running brought me back to school,” he said. “I don’t think I would have the bravery I have today without school.”

Dakota Clark, 12, took first place in the category for males 12 and under. His family was there to cheer him on and to run as well.

“This is the first time we’ve raced,” Dakota said. “We had a good time, and the experience was nice and fun. This is also good running weather.”

The winners in various categories received bronze medals and frozen turkeys for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Jeanette Vazquez won the category for women aged 20 to 29 while Dawn Luyster was first among women 50 to 59.

Ulyses Aguila was third behind Cooper and Mbaka among men 20 to 29, and Brett Schwartz placed fourth.

The Gobble Wobble was held on a weekend for the first time to encourage community participation.

“We were trying to make it different this year,” said event coordinator and South Campus health and physical education chair Michael Daniels, “and I think it worked. It was a nice turnout.”

Donated food items and entry fees will benefit the Tarrant Area Food Bank and the TCC Foundation’s student scholarship program.