Sunday, May 26, 2002 -- Point Marion, PA
Albert Gallatin Regatta 5K (MAGP #3) (iPO Event Id#: 4906)
Story and photos by Don Parks with additional photos from Paul Meleady

[Details] [Coverage]
[Overall Results] [Results by Class]
Pictures: [Set 1] [Set 2] [Set 3] [Set 4] [Set 5]
[Set 6] [Set 7] [Set 8] [Set 9] [Set 10]
Past Race Coverage: [2000] [2001]

Off to a fast start as they cross the Mon River

The Albert Gallatin 5K once again attracted a great crowd for its 6PM start, and rumor has it that it was a record crowd. The racing was fierce with runners battling for the top spots from start to finish.

As soon as the runners left the start in Point Marion Community Park, it was crowded at the front. The first mile did little to separate them as it was four-wide, shoulder to shoulder, as they crossed the Monongahela river heading for the turnaround. But the real contenders were just starting to make their moves.

Close behind the initial leaders was Frostburg's Jaron Hawkins. This 19-year-old has been making a statement at area races recently and was ready to go for another win. But Morgantown's Ed Frohnapfel, who is just a little more than twice Hawkins' age, wasn't going to let him get away easy. Pacing himself nicely at the start, the masters runner quickly began picking of runners on his way to join Hawkins at the front.

The home stretch in Point Marion

By the mid-point of the race it was Hawkins and Frohnapfel going toe-to-toe, trading the lead several times as they gapped the field. It wasn't until the trip back across the Mon river that the decisive move was made.

The young legs prevailed as Hawkins surged ahead and went on to win with a finishing time of 16:56. Frohnapfel found the line soon after with a time of 17:02.

Taking third was the slow starting 21-year-old Derek Clark. Clark has been spending most of his time cycling and entered the race with few training miles and a lot of uncertainty. But the young man from Albright, WV found he still had some legs at the finish and made an impressive final kick. He passed several runners in the final quarter-mile to finish alone at 17:13.

14-year-old Katie Grimm cruises to a win

But, when it came to young guns, this race was all about the women's champion. Making the trip down from Penn Hills, PA was 13-year-old Katie Grimm. She will be entering high school this coming fall and you can bet the coaches just can't wait. The little runner showed some big speed as she cruised to an easy win at 19:19.

The other top women found themselves running alone most of the race, as well. Morgantown's Julie Warner (20:12) finished second while Kelly Holipsky (21:29) took third.

In the 5K walk competition Kathy Paes (32:08) won in commanding fashion with an almost a 2-minute advantage. Taking second overall and first for the men was David Burkhart (34:07). It was interesting to note that the top 6 walk finishers alternated between male and female. The top three women finished first, third, and fifth overall while the top three men were second, fourth, and sixth.