Saturday, October 21, 2000 -- Martinsburg, WV
Apple Trample 5K
Story and photos by Marty Lamp

[Details] [Coverage] [Overall Results] [Results by Class] [Pic Set 1] [Karsten's 72 Pics]
[1999 Event Coverage] [1998 Event Coverage]

Mom gets some help

Each October, when the leaves clinging to the numerous oaks and maples lining the streets of Martinsburg seem to glow, people come from miles around to enjoy the Mountain State Harvest Parade. Just before this event practically shuts the city streets down for over an hour, another event takes place, the Annual Apple Trample 5K.

Starting in War Memorial Park, this point-to-point race followed Tennessee Avenue until it joined up with the parade route along King Street. After some gently rolling hills through the town, the route made a left on Raleigh before looping back to the right and heading towards Martinsburg High School. The finish line was crossed after running around the high school track for a 1/2 lap.

This course is notoriously fast, and this year was no exception. Rumors among the racers hinted to the fact that the course was just short of 3 miles long. Regardless of the distance, 126 racers came out and ran a classic race in gorgeous fall conditions, with a warm sun shining brightly.

Almost to the finish

The first person to cross the finish line this year was Justin Thaine(17:06), who managed a 5:31 pace per mile. Only ten seconds behind was second place finisher William Sam Ship(17:16), while Allen Zimmell(17:51) had the third fastest time on the day.

For the women, Ruth Riemenschneider(19:55) posted the fastest time for the second year in a row, finishing almost 2 minutes of her closest female competitor, Heather Kremer(21:42). Deanna Alby(21:53) rounded out the top three finishers.

This was the first year that this race was sponsored by The Wellness Center City Hospital and the Mountain State Apple Harvest Committee, and they did a fine job handling a race that takes place during a hectic time in Martinsburg. Thanks also go out to Pokey McPokester for all his help with the results.