The champion, Armin Gooden, endures the victor's spotlight

Friday, July 3, 1998 -- Buckhannon
1998 Freedom Run 5K Cross-Country

[Overall Results]

The first annual Freedom Run 5K Cross-Country race was held at Buckhannon-Upshur High School on Friday evening, June 3rd. The race included a "City Team Challenge" with the top 4 runners from each city scoring points toward the trophy. After the race there was a 4th of July Kids Parade and then the Buckhannon Chamber of Commerce Fireworks Display.

Decked out in the full 4th of July regalia

The cross-country course started and finished at the high school track. The run consisted of various terrain around the campus and recreational park and included some single track through the woods. The evenings competition proved to be no match for Armin Gooden as he easily took the win in 17:56, a full minute and a half faster then second. However, the battle for second was a very close race with Cameron Barkley (19:28) able to edge out Mike Snyder (19:32) at the finish line.

Bragging rights for the "City Team Challenge" Trophy easily went to Buckhannon while Morgantown settled for second. But the Morgantown runners vowed to back next year with a little more amunition to take on the 1998 champions.

[Ed. note: Sorry we didn't get some race action photos, but the WVOutside photographers were busy running in the race for Morgantown. But, the kids parade pictures are pretty nice compared to sweaty runners, don't you think!]

Clowning around to get the parade in order

Remember when your bike was this much fun?