April 21st, 2012

General William Lytle

The 5K is a very popular fast and mostly flat certified course (USATF GA070008WC). The race has a simultaneous start with the 15K, both races staying together for approximately 1.5 miles before 5K runners turn right and head south on Glenn Kelly Road, shortly after Water Stop 1. Approaching the split , 5K runners are urged to move to the right hand side of the road prior to the turn, and use caution not to cut in front of other runners. As runners head south on Glenn Kelly Road, they enjoy a different vista of Dyer Field looking back towards General Rosecrans headquarters. To the right is a trailhead leading to Lytle Hill, known for the place where Union Brigadier General William Lytle of Ohio was mortally wounded, leading a counterattack on horseback. When the identity of his body became known, respectful Confederate soldiers placed an honor guard around his corpse. The Lytle Monument marks the spot. Shortly after Mile 2, 5K runners must make a right turn for a distance back onto Chickamauga Vittatoe Road, staying on the right side of the road to a turnaround cone and sentry sending them back towards the finish. After the turnaround, runners head south then bear right again onto Glenn Kelly Road encountering a slight uphill behind the Wilder Brigade Monument. Before beginning this slight gradual hill, on the right there is a wooded site leading to what is known as "Bloody Pond". The battle was fought at a time of severe drought, and this stagnant cattle pond was crowded with wounded and dying men and animals, in the words of Col. Wilder, "trying to quench the awful thirst of death from its reeking contents." It is said that their blood stained the water red. After cresting the hill behind the tower, runners pass Mile 3 near the finish with a hard left turn into the field below the Wilder Brigade Monument.