Tuesday, June 29, 1999 -- Wellsburg
Wendy's Wellsburg 5K Run & Walk
Story by Marty Lamp, photos by Dan Gutierrez

[Coverage] [Pic Set 1] [Pic Set 2] [Pic Set 3]
Results: [Overall Run] [Run by Class & Walk]

Running the streets in Wellsburg

It was a beautiful, warm evening in Wellsburg on Tuesday when almost 80 runners and walkers convened for the annual Wendy's Wellsburg 5K. The course in Wellsburg is quite popular among racers since the total elevation change over the 3.1 mile course is less than 10 feet!

The race course, one big loop, was the same for runners and walkers. The starting line was a block from the town square, and the course went north for about a mile before turning left for 1 block, then left again going south along the banks of the Ohio River. After about 1.5 miles, it was another 2 lefts taking racers back to the finish line in front of the town square.

Strolling along the Ohio River

Taking the lead early and running away with the win was Chris Perun(16:51). The battle for second and third however was a little tighter. Chris Noyes(17:16) came from way back in the pack and slowly picked his way through the field to finish 2nd overall, barely edging out Mitch Radella(17:19), who finished 3rd overall.

For the women, Valerie Price(19:41) grabbed the early lead, and never looked back. Less than a minute behind Price was Mallory Roadman(20:19), who was the second female to cross the finish line. Marcy Haught(21:00) took third place honors for the women.

Racing can be so much fun

Ronnie Miller(29:00) won the Men's Special Olympian division, and George Macek(30:00) was the fastest walker on the course this evening. Wheeling native Terry Whitecotton(34:47) finished second in the walk, while Anthony Filberto(41:16) came in third. Susan Chivers(41:30) was the first female walker to finish.

Certainly deserving mention is Brooke Cross Country Coach Mark Rihel for putting on a top-notch race that was enjoyed by everyone involved. He even handed out some great door prizes after the race. If you missed it this year, make sure to check it out next year.