Bethany Loushine of Martinez prepares to light the cauldron during Georgia Games opening ceremonies at the Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center. CHRIS THELEN/STAFF

But Loushine admitted it was a little different Friday, when she helped mark the official start of the Georgia Games, an amateur athletic event being held in the Augusta area through July 21.

Loushine is from Martinez, so there were plenty of loved ones watching her at Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center

"It was pretty interesting last year, but I don't think it was quite as much fun as (Friday) since a lot of family and friends are here. I get a thrill out of being in front of everybody, I guess."

Friday's ceremony marked the end of a rigorous five-day journey for Loushine and 12 other men and women who were part of the 2002 Torch Run, which carried the Georgia Games flame more than 1,000 miles through Georgia.

On Monday in Macon, two groups set off on bike and foot in different directions, with Augusta as their destination. Loushine was part of the northern route, which wound through LaGrange, Douglasville, Marietta, Athens and other communities. Runners along the southern route traveled through cities such as Albany, Douglas, Savannah, Statesboro and Millen.

Loushine, a Lakeside High graduate who attends Georgia College and State in Milledgeville, Ga., said her experience running cross country didn't fully prepare her to negotiate the terrain of northern Georgia.

"We ran into lot of hills," said Loushine, 19, the youngest runner in the group. The oldest was 74. "I don't think any of us were really ready for that."

Loushine had to save some energy for the Georgia Games. She is competing in the 5K road race today, and she'll participate in the triathlon July 21.

"I was trying not to hurt my legs too much, because I knew I still have to run (today)," she said.

The group received warm receptions from people who dotted the roadways in support of the Torch Run. But not everyone was happy. Loushine recalled a trucker who laid on his horn and yelled at the procession as he rumbled past.

"He said some pretty nasty words at us," she said. "The cop that was escorting us chased after him and pulled him over and gave him a few words back."

Reach Larry Williams at (706) 823-3645