Saturday, July 24, 1999 -- Clarksburg
Greater Clarksburg 10K
Story and photos by Marty Lamp

[Coverage] [Overall Results] [Results by Class] [Award/Money Winners]
Pictures: [Set 1] [Set 2] [Set 3] [Set 4] [Set 5] [Set 6] [Set 7] [Set 8] [Set 9] [Set 10] [Set 11] [Set 12]

John Korir crosses the finish line first

The streets of Clarksburg were alive on July 24th for the 1999 Greater Clarksburg 10K. Over 760 men and women of all ages braved the heat and humidity to compete against some of the best runners in the world. Live music filled the air as spectators lined the streets anxiously awaiting the start of what many feel is the top 10K event in the country.

The huge turnout is no accident; with nearly $22,000 in prize money handed out, it's no secret why competitors came from countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, and Russia, not to mention from all over the United States.

Frank Shorter(1) showing he still has it

As if the world class competition and abundant prize money weren't enough, three U.S. running legends were there. Frank Shorter, Bill Rodgers, and Bob Schul competed in the run, proving that although their glory days may be part of running history, their running presence and style is timeless.

The 6.2 mile course consisted of two loops through residential and business districts. It started on Main Street then turned left at Hardee's near the Joyce Street exit. Next it was a left at Marshall, then a left on Pike Street took runners back to the start. The rolling 10K course is certified by USA Track and Field, and although it has no long, steep climbs, the short hills proved plenty tough with the heat and sunshine that made it's presence known on the second lap.

The competition was tough no matter when you finished

The first person to cross the finish line and take home the $3000 first place prize money was John Korir(29:00) of Kenya. Korir maintained an overall pace of 4:40 per mile, and stayed within a lead pack of 10-15 racers before his unmatched kick in the final half-mile. Only three seconds behind was second place finisher and fellow countryman David Markori(29:03). Rounding out the top three finishers was Kenneth Cherviyot(29:12).

The top female finisher was Catherine Ndereba(33:31) of Kenya. It was sweet justice for Ndereba who thought she had finished first last year, only to be disqualified for not making it to the starting line prior to the race. It was no easy win for Ndereba, though, who relied on a final burst to win by only 1 second over fellow Kenyan Marguret Okato(33:32).

"Shorty" Bumgardner didn't mind the heat

"I only passed her (Okato) right at the end and I didn't know if I could outkick her," said the 26 year-old Ndereba. Keeping things amazingly close was the third place female finisher Teresa Wanjiku(33:34). Only three seconds separated the top three females.

Terrance Mahon(30:20) of Pennsylvania was the first male finisher from the United States, and Vicki Mitchell(35:57) from New York was the first American female to finish.

The top male finisher from West Virginia was Dave McCollam(33:40), and the fastest female racer from West Virginia this day was Heather Bury(37:19).

Not enough can be said about all the hard work, preparation, and organization on the part of race promoters Carl Hatfield and Larry Mazza. Although the countless volunteers and helpers make it happen on race day, Hatfield and Mazza are responsible for this truly world-class event, and their attention to detail is apparent in every aspect of the race. Thanks also go out to Mark Courtney and Runner's High for handling the daunting task of managing the results. His efforts and thoroughness are greatly appreciated.