33rd GGRR -- Jones, Mooneyham battle in 10k

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on April 12, 2014 11:32 PM

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The rematch should be epic.

Three-time independent 1-A state cross country champion Connor Jones and Joseph Mooneyham staged a 10k race that left the outcome in doubt for about five miles Saturday morning.

Until Jones, who always seems to have that extra boost of energy in reserve, took over around the sixth mile. The Wayne Christian senior dictated the tempo from there and claimed his third consecutive Greater Goldsboro Road Race 10k championship in 38 minutes, 44 seconds.

Mooneyham crossed the line 33 seconds later.

"We were neck and neck the whole race ... a mind game," Jones said. "I didn't see him the first two miles or so, then he came up behind me and we pushed the pace until about the fifth mile.

"I just tried to finish, really. (But) inside I was going for the win, obviously."

Mooneyham, a sophomore at Charles B. Aycock, shaved an incredible eight minutes off of his GGRR time from 2013. He crossed the line in 39:07.

"It was like the coolest race ever," Mooneyham said. "We stuck with each other until about the last five miles or so, then he took off a little bit and I just stayed constant.

"I had a little bit more experience. This time I put a little more training into it, logging a little more miles so this year I was more prepared than last year."

Incentive may be a factor for Mooneyham on Monday. The two distance specialists are expected to meet again during the annual Wayne County Track and Field Championship meet at Rosewood High School.

Neither commented on a possible rematch.

Meanwhile, Jones had a little fun en route to his "three-peat". The 10k runners competed on the same 5k course, but had to complete the loop twice. He patted his dad, Bryan, on the behind as he passed him during the first 5k.

"Really? This early? Come on," quipped his dad, who earned the gold medal for his age group in the 5k.

Overall, more than 200 runners competed in 26 age groups and four divisions -- 1-mile fun run, 5k walk, 5k run and 10k run.

Pete Gibson, who grew up in Goldsboro, and Erin Duffy won the men's and women's 5k championships, respectively. Carrie Sutton claimed the women's 10k crown, while Lloyd Kelso of Lucama won the wheelchair race.

All 14 participants received a medal in the 1-mile fun run, which was won by Jaylen Sumler. Alissa Merritt edged April Merritt by one second to win the 5k walk.