Saturday, May 15, 1999 -- Beckley
Rhododendron 5K Run/Walk & 1 Mile Fun Run
Story and Photos by Marty Lamp

[Coverage] [Pic Set 1] [Pic Set 2] [Overall Results] [Age Group Results]

Running in the streets of Beckley

The usually quiet Saturday morning streets of Beckley were filled with a little more energy than normal on May 15th, and all the runners who were part of the Rhododendren 5K Run can be thanked for that. Centered around Shoemaker Square, the racers ran a course with only one major hill, and a police escort that would make the president jealous.

Sunshine filled the sky as 30 folks gathered to walk or run in the chilly morning air. From the very start, the battle was between Charlie Moore(16:28) and Larry Taylor(16:44). The two stayed tight for a while, but the youthful Moore pulled away gradually to take the overall male win.

Why did the ladies cross the road...

The battle to be the first female to cross the finish line was even closer. Valerie Patterson(25:21) just barely held off Sally Jarrett(25:25) to finish first in the overall female category.

There somehow managed to be four winners in the kids race. Jordan Jarret(5:31), Chris Aaron(6:01), Garrett Hill(6:37), and Allison Jarrett(7:02) all showed incredible speed for their 1 Mile Fun Run.

Betty Burgess(40:17) and Mary Turner(53:50) took the top two places in the 5K Walk. Thanks to Jay Rutledge for giving us a great race, and for providing us with quick results.