On January 10, 2009, the Greenbrier High School Cross Country team and the Augusta Striders Running Club will be hosting the 30th running of the Pinch Gut Puffer, dating back to 1979. The race name reflects the legendary Private Robert J. Puffer, and the downtown area, Pinch Gut, that was renowned for southern ladies during the 18th and 19th centuries. Private Puffer ran messages between two American Revolutionary Forces marching on British forts located on Reynolds Street. To coordinate their attack, on May 28, 1781, General Pickens called for a volunteer to run from the vicinity of where the race now starts to Sandbar Ferry Road to inform General “Light Horse Harry” Lee and Colonel Elijah Clark to begin their attack. The volunteer was 19 year-old Private Puffer. He made his hazardous run to General Lee in 28 minutes. The coordinated attack captured both British forts on June 5, 1781.
The race, which begins at 9:00 a.m., starts at the Standard Textile-King Mill in Augusta and ends at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in downtown Augusta running down the scenic Riverwalk for a 7.5k (4.66 miles) course. The race traditionally attracts 200-300 runners from around the region. This year the race will include cash prizes for the top male and female who break “Puffer’s time” while dressed in Revolutionary War Era costume.
Registration is $15 for adults; $12 for military, high school/middle school students or Augusta Striders member (must show current ID card on race day); late registration (after December 26th) is $20 for everyone. Further information and online registration is available at: http://www.pinchgutpuffer.com/.
