Aaron Kaylor (far left, 1st Male), Connie Young (center in black and green, 1st Female) and Jody Morgan (right front, 2nd Male) off to quick starts

Saturday, July 11, 1998 -- Eleanor
Putnam County Fair 10K Run & 3 Mile Walk

[More Pictures] [Results]

Racers and the temperatures alike were cool as the annual Putnam County Fair 10K race and 5K walk began on Saturday morning. But the sun and the competition quickly rose to heat things up as the race got underway at the fairgrounds.

Over forty-five people showed up to participate in the annual running event. The course was relatively flat with rolling hills, allowing some of the racers to set personal records. Many of the racers were surprised at both their times and the standings, as indicated by Gary Hodges comment, "You've got to be kidding," when he placed 2nd in the Men's 40-44 age category.

Sherry Deegan heads out of the shade and into the sun

Aaron Kaylor and Jody Morgan sprinted to the finish line, with Aaron capturing first place with a time of 35:28, six seconds ahead of Jody. Connie Young, who won last week's Kanawha-Coal Riverfest 5K Run, was on hand to race a 40:10 to bring home another women's overall 1st place title at the Putnam County fairgrounds.

There were a lot of friendly volunteers on hand Saturday morning to assist the runners. The annual event is held by Putnam County Fair Board. Local sponsors included Teays Valley Chiropractic Center, Teays Physical Therapy Center, Putnam General Hospital, Eddie's Pennzoil, Clark Insurance Agency, North Putnam Hardware, and BAM Screen Printing.

Kelly Given, a candidate for the West Virginia State Senate, also raced to help support the fair.

Ryne Hurley takes 1st for the 14 and under men

Gary Baker grits it out to the finish