It was a chilly morning, with temperatures hovering in the mid-50s, but the 100-plus athletes participating in the first-ever Phillip’s 5K Race, warmed up fast after being signaled to “go.”

The Saturday, April 12, 2025 race started on West Union Street, in front of Phillip’s Cottage, funding for which the race was organized. The cottage, which is scheduled for completion in September, will serve as a one-year transitional home for up to three graduates of the Adult & Teen Challenge Program, with their children.

“Phillip’s Cottage” is named in memory of Phillip Carroll, a longtime Webster Parish educator and pastor known for his devotion to people and his passion for running. Carroll died suddenly on May 30, 2023, while preparing for his morning run. The annual 5K event was created to honor his legacy, according to his daughter, Sara McDaniel, race organizer.