Sunday, May 28, 2000 -- Point Marion, PA
Albert Gallatin Regatta 5K
Story and photos by Marty Lamp

[Details] [Coverage] [Overall Results] [Results by Class]
[Pic Set 1] [Pic Set 2] [Pic Set 3] [Pic Set 4]

Getting ready in Point Marion

Although the sky was filled with ominous looking clouds that could explode with rainshowers at anytime, the Albert Gallatin Regatta 5K took to the streets of Point Marion, PA without a hitch. The third race in the 2000 Morgantown Area Grand Prix Series, and the only one that doesn't take place in West Virginia, the Albert Gallatin 5K drew over 100 racers of all ages and abilities to the small town 10 miles north of Morgantown.

Just an hour before the race, as well as the preceding 24 hours, rain was falling regularly, with intermittent downpours. By race time however, the streets were fairly dry, and everyone had their race-faces on.

Josh Horner cruises to victory

The 3.1 mile course started at the Point Marion Community Park, and stayed on a mainly flat course though town, with many spectators sitting on their porch amidst American flags, cheering as racers went by. The finish line was right beside the Monongahela River, just north of the park.

The first person to reach the finish line was Josh Horner(16:01). Horner grabbed the lead are about the 1 mile mark, and his torrid 5:09 per mile pace was too much for anyone to hang with on this day. Francis Rengers(16:20) wasn't slacking either, as he kept Horner in view the entire time while finishing second overall. Jacob Gleason(16:38) finished third overall.

Stephanie Meleady finishing strong

The fastest female on the course this day was the up-and-coming Stephanie Meleady(19:37). Meleady held a solid 6:18 per mile pace, and finished strong to stay ahead of second place finisher Susan Lobos(20:02). Meleady and Lobos finished 17th and 21st overall, and third place female finisher Amanda Hall(22:23) finished 41st overall.

For the walk, none other than Steve Bence(29:32) got the win after a strong showing at Elby's Big Boy 20K on Saturday. Keith Pryor(32:46) finished second, and Ed Loud(33:08) finished third. Kathy Paes(35:14) finished first for the female walkers.

Thanks go out to Ken Ashton, his sister, and all the other volunteers her helped make this race so much fun. Make sure to check out the next MAGP run, the Run to Read 5K.