The Bill Duncan Memorial 5K Run/Walk
Bill Duncan graduated from Florida Southern College in 1959. He was an educator and administrator in the Polk County school system. Bill Duncan was heavily involved in running and track. He held records as a participant, and later as a coach. He was inducted into the Florida Track and Field Hall of Fame for his accomplishments in athletics, leadership ability, and his impeccable character. Duncan consistently put forward his best efforts as a runner and as a coach, and instilled this same motivation and philosophy into his students and athletes. The Bill Duncan 5K Run/Walk was created to honor Bill Duncan.
In addition, the Bill Duncan scholarship is awarded annually to the most astonishing Polk County student in long-distance running. All proceeds from this event benefit the Florida Southern Cross Country and Track Scholarship Fund. Every year local sponsors help cover the cost of the event which costs around $1,600.00 to put on each year. Some of the Sponsors of this year’s 5K included Crossfit Lakeland, FitNiche, Verizon Wireless, Publix, Hyatt Place, and Straughn Trout Architects.
This year the race took place on Saturday, January 29 2011. The race begins near the intersection of South Ingraham Ave. and McDonald St. on the Florida Southern College Campus. Overall Male and Female 5K winners receive special awards. Awards for top three finishers in 10 age groups also receive medals.
2011 Results of the Race can be found here.
In addition to the proceeds of this event funding the Bill Duncan Scholarship, Duncan also left his mark on an educational pillar. As a long-time Polk County educator, holding Principal positions at Winter Haven and Lake Wales high schools, and serving as an administrator in the superintendent’s office, Duncan was known as the “father of discipline” in Polk County. When he retired in 1992, the Polk County Opportunity Center was renamed the Bill Duncan Opportunity Center. The Mission of BDOC is to “provide a safe and orderly learning environment and enable our students to successfully function in mainstream schools and society, so their goals and dreams may be achieved."
Bill Duncan left a legacy in Polk County and at Florida Southern College. The Duncan Family wishes to thank Florida Southern College for honoring Bill Duncan.
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