Everyone is a winner in Fayetteville

Saturday, July 4, 1998 -- Fayetteville
Fayetteville Heritage Festival 5K Run

[Results] [More Pictures]

The 4th of July showers (i.e. thunderstorms) held off long enough to provide ideal weather for running through the streets of Fayetteville. The race didn't start until 12 noon, providing plenty of time for racers, friends, family and fans to gather in the Fayetteville Town Square to begin the holiday celebrations.

Michael Cox ran away from the competition

The 5K course provided real challenge with plenty of hills and few flat stretches for the runners. The race started with a quick run past the County Courthouse and then immediately down a long hill. What was next? Nothing less than a nice climb back uphill. But the tough course attracted plenty of participants with the lure of cash prizes for the top finishers.

With the downhill start, and subsequent climb to get the race started, the racers took little time to spread themselves out. Sprinting right to the front, and staying there, was Michael Cox. He really had no competition and finished with an impressive time of 15:35, over a minute and a half faster than the next closest competitor. Taking home the money for second and third were Larry Taylor (17:11) and Aaron Kaylor (17:43).

Susan McGee finished in the top five overall

In the competition for the fastest female, the racers again were quick to establish their positions. Finishing first was Susan McGee in a nice time of 18:36. Susan finished a very respectable 5th overall, just two seconds behind Daniel McDowell (18:34) in fourth place. The second female finisher, Lori Taylor (19:40) also broke the top ten with an eighth place overall finish. Another impressive performance was put in by Jessica Taylor (20:28), at only 13-years-old she placed third among the females and 11th overall.

As always, Fayetteville put on another quality event with a large dose of West Virginia small town hospitality. All this is thanks to the volunteers that make it possible. That includes the local fire, emergency, and police departments, the race organizers Fred Perry, Carol Perry, and Larry Taylor, and all the sponsors like Martin M. Mrozek, the Oak Hill Podiatrist who is the biggest sponsor where it counts (i.e. the wallet!)