Share |

Saturday, July 3, 1999 -- Elizabeth
Fireman's Firecracker 5K Run/Walk
Story and photos by Marty Lamp

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

Elizabeth
Jared Smith brings Sterling Beane and Josh Weekley home
It was a beautiful Saturday morning in Elizabeth for the Elizabeth-Wirt Volunteer Fire Department Fireman's Firecracker 5K. Kicking off in front of the Fire Station, racers had to run on a mostly flat course with one major hill before finishing their 3.1 miles in front of the Fire Station.

Almost 50 runners and walkers took off from the 8:30am starting gun, as patriotic music was playing loud, and a decent crowd gathered to watch. With the temperatures already in the upper 80's, the heat was slowly making its presence known.

Elizabeth
Sherri West and co-pilot enjoying the race
"The sun was the most challenging part" said Jared Smith(17:41). Smith didn't grab the lead from Sterling Beane(17:54) until the 1 mile mark, but from there he would never give it back. Beane and Josh Weekley(18:05) battled each other with Smith in their sights until the finish. Smith finished first overall, with Beane second and Weekley third.

For the women it was Connie Hurst(24:37) coming across the finish line first. Keeping the race tight with Hurst was Monica Beane(24:43). Beane couldn't quite catch her, and would finish a respectable second, while Lou Ann Cottrell(24:37) came in third.

To the surprise of no one, John Mike Nichols(30:08) was the first walker to finish. Bernard Fries(32:29) finished second, and Glen Carpenter(32:47) finished third.

This race wouldn't have been possible without Jerry Hopkins, the Elizabeth-Wirt Volunteer Fire Department, the numerous volunteers who gave their time, and Mike Taylor who handled the timing. Thanks guys!