Saturday, July 10, 1999 -- Huntington
Ritter Park 5K Run
Story and photos by Brad Yurish

[Coverage] [Pic Set 1] [Pic Set 2] [Pic Set 3]
[Overall Results] [Results by Class]

Mike Guinn wins in Huntington

Runners in the Ritter Park 5K were greeted Saturday Morning with cool temperatures and rain. However, no one was complaining about the much needed rain and the cool temperatures that were ideal for running.

The out-and-back course was very fast as it took runners on scenic trails and paved roads from the main pavilion of Ritter Park out to the "Big Arch", and then back to the pavilion.

From the start of this year's race, Mike Guinn(16:18) was at the front of the pack. While there was a group of about five racers vying for the lead most of the race, Guinn held the lead to finish first overall, keeping a pace of 5:15 per mile. Larry Atkins(16:37) kept the pressure on Guinn and hammered out a pace of 5:21 per mile to finish second overall. Jason Redman(17:33), the "old man" of the top three, finished third overall.

"Raindrops keep fallin' on my head"

Kelly McGraw(19:05) ran uncontested and kept a blistering pace of 6:09 per mile to finish first for the women, and 10th overall. Joy Vincent(20:31) was fast enough to to finish second in the womens class, while Kayla Lester(20:48), at the ripe ol' running age of 16, was right there with Vincent and placed third.

This year's race ran strong with young runners from around the area. With such a good turnout, the future of running in West Virginia looks to be bright and fast. Special thanks go out to the Greater Huntington Parks and Recreation District and the Huntington Track Club for putting on such a well organized and fun event. Hope to see you there next year!