Wednesday, July 9, 2003 -- Connellsville, PA
20th Annual John Woodruff 5K Run & Walk (iPO Event Id#: 5693) Article by Heather Bury with photos by Don Parks

[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] [Set 11] [Set 12] [Set 13] [Set 14] [Set 15] [Set 16] [Set 17]
Past Coverage: [2000] [2001] [2002 Results]

Topping the first hill

The summertime thunderstorms held off for the 20th running of the John Woodruff 5K Run & Walk. Taking advantage of the hot and humid evening was a large group of eager runners and walkers ready to take on the uphill/downhill course (and enjoying the after-party at Bud Murphy's was certainly on more than a few minds.) So off they went...

The evening started with an exciting kid's run. The kids ran 800 meters around the track, which is the distance that John Woodruff ran to win his Gold Medal in 1936. Though I'm sure that Mr. Woodruff's mom or dad didn't run the race with him!

The first race is for the kids

The 5K race for the big kids started with a mile and a half uphill, into a mile and a half downhill. Mastering the hills early to make sure he won easily was Adam Shinsky of Uniontown. After finishing second the Bud Murphy 5K, Shinsky made sure that he would have a first place trophy in hand with a blistering 16:40. The close race was for second with David Wilt winning out over Bud Murphy 5K champ Kenny King. Both ran excellent times of 17:12 and 17:17, respectively.

In the women's race, Bud Murphy 5k champ Heather Bury made her way back from Morgantown to claim the Woodruff title with a time of 18:30. The second place woman was local favorite and last year's winner, Gina McGee, in a time of 19:20. Making a name for herself on the road racing scene this summer is Jennifer Locke who placed third with a time of 20:07.

Racing for the stadium finish line

The men's race walk was the most hotly contested race of the day, with Bruce Kukan defeating Thomas Starkey with a times of 27:50 and 27:52, respectively.

In the women's race walk division, local favorite Jamie Brooks won again with a time of 29:01. Brooks has won every year since 1996, missing out on one year's title because she did not compete. Second this year went to Kathy Paes in a time of 30:59.

The Connellsville High School Football team showed that they are true team of athletes by coming out and running the 5K, proudly dressed in partial uniform.

After the race, awards were generously given, with plenty of popsicles and water, then we all headed down to Bud Murphy's for a cold one and some much needed pizza.