After 40 years, George McConnell bows out of Gasparilla race

After a four-decade marathon of sorts, one of the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic's most revered competitors has turned in his racing bib. George McConnell, an 87-year-old retired postal worker who has participated in all 40 previous PGDC races, has chosen not to compete this year. Susan Harmeling, executive director of the event, made the announcement Thursday at the Gasparilla's annual "Kick-Off Luncheon." This year 27,500 people had registered for at least one of the races.

posted Friday February 2nd