Saturday, October 8, 2005 -- Clarksburg, WV
FBIRA Jerry Dove Memorial 5K (MAGP #13) (iPO Event Id#: 6766) Story and photos by Don Parks

[Details] [Coverage]
[Overall Results]
Pictures: [Set 1] [Set 2] [Set 3] [Set 4] [Set 5] [Set 6] [Set 7] [Set 8]
Event Coverage: [2001] [2002] [2003] [2004]

Serious racing even in the kids' events

On what was predicted as a cold and rainy morning the racers at the Jerry Dove Memorial were treated to nice mild temps and very little precipitation. The competition certainly heated up the 5K course and the always well organized event went on in great conditions.

All four previous years the race has been run Larry Taylor has found his way to the finish first. He was back again this year looking to go five-for-five.

Last year, at the age of 43, Taylor set the certified course record of 16:21. This year he couldn't find the form for a new course record and crossed the finish at 16:48, but it was still just enough to hold off his closest competition yet.

Getting it all started on Jerry Dove Drive

Twenty year-old John Riffle did his best to dethrone Taylor but at the finish was eight seconds back at 16:56. Danny Fink added another strong masters finish, at the age of 42, just nine more seconds back at 17:05.

Speaking of close finishes, the battle for fourth overall came down to a sprint for the line. The 24 year-old Charlie Edwards (18:47) was just able to hold of a valiant charge by 42 year-old Robert Klenk (18:48).

On the women's side the racing was also close among the top finishers. While 29 year-old Lori Abildso (22:34) had a fourteen second cushion at the finish to take the win, 19 year-old Patricia Hershberger (22:48) edged 25 year-old Teresa Fogg for second by a slim five seconds.

A perfect morning to get out and stretch your legs

After all the many runners (including quite a few who took more of a walking approach) crossed the finish it was time for one final race. This would be the kids race, a short sprint where everyone wins a medal for their participation. This certainly is also the favorite for families and spectators.

Lisa Stout once again did a tremendous job putting together a great event. Making her job worthwhile is seeing the great support it recieves from all the partipants. A big thanks goes to all those involved for helping honor the memory of the late Special Agent (SA) Jerry Dove and to all Law Enforcement Officers, Firefighters, Military Personnel, and others who have been killed while serving in the line of duty.