Saturday, July 3, 1999 -- Keyser
Independence 5K Run
Story and photos by Julie Bertsch

[Coverage] [Results] [Results by Class] Pictures: [Set 1] [Set 2]

Ashley Kitzmiller picks up the pace

Nestled in the valley of some of West Virginia's most lusciously green mountains is the town of Keyser. July 4th weekend is time for Keyser's Independence 5K Run. A wrestling coach of 25 years, Race Director, Joe Altobello was happy to see a great turnout despite the heavy humidity that was already kicking in early that Saturday morning. Luckily, most of the run was in the shade and flat, starting and finishing at the same place. It was expected to be a fairly close race, but all eyes were on one runner who was already taking the lead early into the 1st mile stretch. Known for his fast finishing times, Jeff Delauter (16.47) kept his lead from start to finish, seemingly getting even faster in the end as he took the overall 1st place prize.

Kelly Laffey & Mark Laffey

Battling for second, was Tim Marshall (17.11) who held on to beat Jimmy Railey. Railey finished a minute behind Marshall with a time of 18.05. Way ahead of all the other women racers and many of the men was Maureen Hall (19.40) who finished 7th overall and as the 1st place woman! It was really hot when the race was finished, but many runners stayed cool by taking a dip in the Keyser Swimming Pool, open to at participants who ran. It was fun for all, and a great way to kick off the holiday weekend! A special thanks goes out to Robert Hall from the Queen City Striders who supplied us with all of the race results!