Saturday, June 17, 2000 -- Connellsville, PA
Francis Bud Murphy Memorial 5K
Story and photos by Julie Bertsch

[Details] [Coverage]
Results: [Run O/A] [Walk O/A] [By Class] [Walk by Class]
Pictures: [Set 1] [Set 2] [Set 3] [Set 4] [Set 5]

Smiles were everywhere when the 5K run started

The rain held off just long enough for the Francis Bud Murphy Memorial 5K. Francis Bud Murphy was the owner of Bud Murphy's Sports Bar & Restaurant for several years. He was a great supporter of local male and female sports teams. From basketball to baseball, you name it, and Bud supported it. This race used to consist of not just the 5K Walk, but the run was actually a 10K, and the events included a 1 Mile run. Highlands Hospital has been the location of the race for a long time, and despite the dropping of the beloved 10K run, many folks still consider this race a "must do" every year.

Josh Horner finishes strong at the SERJ 5K line

Maybe it's success is due to the abundance of unique trophies, or the quality T-Shirts, or the fantastic, free post-race party at Bud Murphy's. Maybe it's just the friendly faces that show up every year to race or volunteer their time, but either way, this event was superbly organized and just plain FUN!

The course was not too brutal, with flat stretches, short street turns, and a hill or two. There was a number of fast runners who lined up at the front of the pack, just before the signal was given. Josh Horner took command early on, with Jacob Gleason(16:53), closing the gap a little closer at the last downward incline on Murphy Avenue. Horner held off a sprinting Gleason by 4 seconds, and ripped through the ribbon first with a fast 5K time of 16:49. Gleason finished 2nd with no one behind him. With many recent 1st place finishes under his belt such as the 5K Run for M.S., Brad Herrington finished a strong 3rd with a time of 17:47.

Maggie Wiggler opens up her stride to the finish

Gretchen Wood (21:04), of Uniontown, PA ran way with 1st place for the women, averaging a pace of 6:46. Ashleigh Grimaldi (21:42), took home the 2nd place prize for the ladies.

The race for 3rd was tight, and heel to heel, as Michol Monaghan and Kara Williams approached the finish line at full speed. Monaghan (21:51), kicked it in to the line finishing just 2 seconds ahead of Williams (21:53), for the 3rd place win. Kara Williams finished as the 4th place female respectively.

Jamie Brooks keeps up the pace to take 2nd in the walk

Over 80 walkers marched their way around the 5K course as well. The speed walking abilities and the healed hamstring of Steve Bence kept him ahead from start to finish to take the overall win in 27 minutes, and 29 seconds. Another strong walker in the community in the 5K Race Walk was Jamie Brooks (28:17), who claimed the top spot for the women, and 2nd overall in the walk!

The rains finally came and showered on the last of the walkers, and the awards ceremony. No one seemed upset though, with free pizza and beverages waiting for them at Bud Murphy's, who could be?

Special thanks to all of the volunteers, Highlands Hospital, the great staff at Bud Murphy's, DJ Bob, and SERJ Timing Services for the speedy, correct results!