Polk Medical Center, local residents in Peachtree Road Race.

When Larry Kuglar crossed the finish line at Saturday’s Peachtree Road Race, he did so for the 40th time. He says this one stands out.

This year the Polk Medical Center Inc. and Cedartown- Polk Hospital Authority board member helped train a group, made up of Polk Medical Center and Floyd Medical Center employees, who also completed the race, some for the first time.

“We’re always looking for fun, exciting ways to keep our employees active and healthy, and the Peachtree is both of those things,” said Caroline Blaylock, Floyd Wellness Coach. “Once we decided to put a team together, we knew there was no one better than Larry to help our folks get ready.”

When Blaylock approached Kuglar with the idea, the veteran runner did not hesitate in jumping on board.

“We are so thrilled with Floyd’s commitment to Polk County and the success the hospital has already seen, that this was the least I could do,” Kuglar said.

Kuglar began regular training sessions with the Polk-to-Peachtree team in April, offering tips he has picked up throughout his years of competitive running.

Aimee Griffin, Director of The Breast Center at Floyd, was one of Kuglar’s trainees. Griffin and her sister, both in their 40s, were running in their first

Peachtree.

“Ashley and I are proof that you are never too old to start something new,” Griffin said. “Mr. Kuglar’s encouragement and support were invaluable. I’m not sure we could have done it without him.”

While Kuglar’s training tips were helpful, Griffin did say his meteorological skills were a bit rusty.

“He did promise us that there would be no rain because it never rains on the Peachtree, and it rained the whole time,” Griffin joked. “Even with that, we still had a blast. We’ll definitely be back next year.”

Allen Stephens, Medical Pulmonary Clinical Manager at Floyd, was also running his first Peachtree and echoed Griffin’s sentiments.

“We had so much fun taking part in this, and being part of a team made it even better,” Stephens said. “We encouraged each other throughout the process, leading right up to the race, and I think that shared positivity helped us all.”

Along with Kuglar, Stephens and Griffin, three other Polk Medical Center employees were a part of the team, including Matt Gorman, Polk Medical Center Administrator, Neeve Owen, Pharmacist, and Rebecca Davis, Pharmacy Technician.

Polk County runner Larry Kuglar competed in his 40th Peachtree Road race this year.

Polk Medical Center’s Allen Stephens took this shot before the start of the road race with a huge crowd behind him. He was one of a handful of PMC staff members to run.

Polk Medical Center staff prepare for the Peachtree Road Race during the hot days of June on county roadways.

Larry Kuglar stands with 1963 CHS graduate Charles Speight, both celebrating completion of their 40th consecutive Peachtree Road Race. Both men finished in the top 5 percent of their age group.

Top: Rebecca Davis and other Polk Medical Center team members celebrate finishing the Peachtree Road Race. Above: Neeve Owen took this selfie after the race.