Fight to the FORT

Photos by David Standridge/Special to the News The racers take off on their journey from the gate to Fort Pickens and back. The Fight for the Fort was an endurance challenge featuring an offroad race in the sand. Joe Joseph of the Pensacola Sports Association said the event reintroduces the park to the public. The road to Fort Pickens is scheduled for repair in 2009. Over 125 runners, prequalified by having participated in endurance races, were selected to run the Fight to the Fort. ABOVE: Runners round the bend of the remaining road toward Fort Pickens. RIGHT: Evan Malone, 31, approaches the finish line. Everret Whiteside, 37, the cross country coach at Washington High School, finished first. Matt Dobson, 38, UWF cross country coach, finished second.