Tuesday, June 15, 1999 -- Middlebourne
Will E. Long 5K Run/Walk
Story and photos by Marty Lamp

[Coverage] [Pic Set 1] [Pic Set 2] [Results]

Mike Taylor strides to victory

Perfect weather conditions and quiet country roads ensured a great race in the comfortably remote town of Middlebourne on Tuesday evening. In it's 5th year and sponsored by the Middlebourne Road Runners Club, this race handed 40 runners and 14 walkers an out-and-back course on paved roads that were full of rolling hills, with substantial elevation gain by the turn around point.

The first runner to cross the finish line was St. Mary's local Mike Taylor(17:46). Taylor jumped out in front early, and kept a torrid pace leading a pack including David Bee(17:58) and Ed Liberatore(18:18). By mile 3, Taylor had put some space between the three, but Bee finished a solid 2nd overall, while Liberatore stayed below a 6 min/mile pace to finish 3rd overall.

John Mike Nichols sets the pace for the walkers

For the women, it was the always fleet Julie Rathbone(20:15) taking the overall win. Rathbone finished over 2 minutes ahead of her nearest class competitors Laurel Bee(22:26) and Kelley Moran(22:27). Bee and Moran finished 2nd and 3rd overall in the woen's division, respectively.

John Mike Nichols(29:37) was the overall winner for the walkers. Nichols led the whole race, but George Macek(30:17) never let Nichols rest, finishing second overall. Bill Cunningham(33:07) finished 3rd for the men. For the women walkers, Marty Owings(35:46) took the win, with Darlene Burke(36:06) right behind for a solid 2nd place.

Thanks to Kerm Long for making this race happen, and to Angie for helping out so much with the results. We are already looking forward to coming back next year.