Saturday, October 7, 2000 -- Beckley, WV
Beckley Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk
Story and photos by Pam Anderson

[Details] [Coverage]
[Results]
Pictures: [Set 1] [Set 2] [Set 3] [Set 4] [Set 5] [1998 Coverage] [1999 Coverage]

Breaking out the hat and gloves in Beckley

Saturday morning started with dark threatening clouds and cold temperatures for the Third Annual Beckley Half Marathon and 5K Run and Walk. As runners prepared for their run over the challenging course, a strong wind picked up and with just a hint of a possible snow flurry, it felt more like winter than a fall morning. As Scott Clark commented, "Today is more runner friendly than spectator friendly." (I can sure agree with that, or at least my cold nose and fingers could!)

When the horn sounded runners for both races took to the pavement to conquer this challenging course of rolling hills, just a bit of flat and the worst part for last. The final few miles were mostly uphill with a short sprint downhill to the finish at the West Virginia Tamarack.

Dale Carter, the first runner of the day in the 5K, topped the final hill to start his quick decent to the finish line and a first place male overall victory. Capturing the second and third place male overall was Mike Reichour and Adam Hensley. Taking home a first place overall female finish was Jennifer Holsch. In the 5K Walk first place female went to Kristen McRay with the first place male going to C.O. Hilderbrand.

Outside in the fall, a great time to race

In the half marathon, conquering the course with a time of 1:19:17, Mark Looney of Lewisburg Virginia captured the first place trophy and a gorgeous Seiko watch. Not far behind were the second and third place finishers, Tim Howard (1:21:17) of Beckley and Scott Clark (1:21:54) of Huntington.

In the females it was Robin Cannon (1:30:09) who was triumphant in capturing the first place overall female and also a Seiko watch. Rounding out the top three were Sharon Peake (1:32:59) and Kristy Johnson (1:36:41).

After a cold morning of running and cheering, runners and spectators were treated to hot refreshments and the enjoyment of the beauty of Tamarack. Congratulations to all of today's runners, volunteers and race director Jay Rutledge for a job well done. So until next year's Fourth Annual Beckley Half Marathon keep on running and stay warm. (Hopefully it will be just a little warmer in 2001!)