Larry Atkins takes the checkered flag at Ona Speedway

Sat. June 13, 1998, Ona Speedway -- Ona, WV
10K at the Speedway

When it comes to races, it's not the quantity of racers, it's the quality. At Ona Speedway, a dozen or so quality folks showed up for a top-notch 10K around the speedway and surrounding grounds. The rain held off for a nice morning run with the participants starting at the Ona Speedway start/finish line and heading down the track into turn one. On the back straight-away, the course headed out and around the race track grounds then back onto the track to finish at the start/finish line. This 2.1 mile loop was repeated two more times to complete the 10K race.

Daniela Becker was first to the line for the women at Ona

When the checkered flag came out it was Larry Atkins first to the line with a time of 42:06. Daryl Kinch tried to stay close for most of the race but could not match the younger pistons on Daryl's machine and settled for second in 42:46. Battling it out for third and fourth were the father and son tandem of Frank and Brett Basham. Frank still has a few lessons for son Brett and crossed first in 43:55, leaving the junior Basham a minute forty seconds back.

Don and Steve were looking good but were maybe a little low on fuel

In the women's field, Daniela Becker, a foreign exchange student visiting from Germany, took first with a nice performance finishing in 50:55. Vanessa Bain was unable to match Daniela's pace but held off the other competitors to take second in a time of 54:09.

The morning's events included a one mile walk; about three laps around the Ona 3/8 mile oval. Although no awards were given, WVOutside would like to honor "almost two" year-old Akila Juan for his efforts. His stroll around the track did nothing to calm his energy during the 10K awards ceremony where he was always ready to give an applause.

The honorary mile winner, Akila Juan, is all smiles!

Special thanks also go out to Ona Speedway, 2N Productions, cousins Brody and Scott Nash, and the many volunteers who made the event. They will be back next year to give the event a second try and it's sure to be even better. So we'll see you in Ona next June when they drop the green flag again.

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