Saturday, April 10, 1999 -- Huntington
Tim Wells Memorial 5K Run

[Coverage/Recap] [Results] Pictures: [Set 1] [Set 2] [Set 3] [Set 4]

Justin Rogers sets the pace early

The April showers gave way to a cool morning for the runners in Huntington's Ritter Park. They came in numbers for the tenth annual Tim Wells Memorial 5K. This special race raises money for a scholarship fund set up to honor Tim Wells. It is in the memory of this promising high school athlete, who collapsed and died while playing basketball with his brothers in 1989, that brings out a wonderful crowd every year.

Daryl White looks serious as he races through Ritter Park

This years race got off to a fast start as Justin Rogers jumped to the front. It didn't take long for Robert Smith and Scott Clark to match his clip and reel in the 15-year-old. By the end of the first mile it was Smith and Clark battling out in front with Rogers hanging on to a comfortable third. Things got a little interesting when early in the second mile the leaders momentarily missed a turn that allowed Rogers to catch back up. However, Clark and Smith quickly resumed their firm hold on the lead as Clark surged again and again but couldn't drop his rival. With a mile left in the race, Smith made his move and was able to hold an advantage to the finish with a winning time of 17:12. Clark was never far behind and took second in 17:17 with Rogers all alone in third at 17:54.

Jalen, Tim Wells' nephew, sprints for the finish

The dominant female in the day's crowd was Ianthia Adams who finished with a time of 23:02. Although she claimed not to have had a good day, she had plenty to stay out in front of a close second place race between Laura Jarrell and Karen Huffman. Jarrell held on to second from early in the race and finished in 23:33 and never seemed to realize that Huffman was close behind in third, finishing at 23:37.

Everyone enjoyed a scenic run in the crisp early spring weather that broke into a warm sunshine by afternoon. The Wells family was there to join in the running and to show their appreciation for all those that came to honor the memory of Tim. A special thanks is extended for the efforts of the race participants, the generosity of the race sponsors and volunteers, the tireless efforts of race director Diana Porter, and the excellent services of Tom Plummer and his race timing crew.