Saturday, July 31, 1999 -- Fayetteville
Fayette County 5K Challenge
Story and photos by Marty Lamp

[Coverage] [Pic Set 1] [Results]

Christopher Adkins finishes with a big kick

On a muggy Saturday morning, Fayette County Park was a 5K cross country course for 12 eager racers. Taking place during the Fayette County Fair, the 8:30am start insured cooler temperatures while the winding, rolling cross country course provided a break from the pavement.

Runners were faced with stream crossings, wooded trails, and gravel roads for 3.1 miles before finishing by the pavilion just in front of the pool. Night time showers and a heavy morning dew added a little extra slickness to rocks and the off-camber grassy hills.

Getting out to an early lead was Steve Crowder(18:40). Crowder quickly left the pack and never looked back, taking the overall win with over a minute lead on second place.

Kaye Smith at Fayette County Park

Tim Howard(20:00) was not letting Crowder rest, though, as he finished almost 5 minutes ahead of his closest competitor and second overall. Delt Kaylor(24:59) rounded out the top three overall finishers.

For the women, it was Kaye Smith(29:51) coming in first, with Debbriah Berry(30:01) keeping things close and finishing second overall. Sarah Bailes(33:11) was the third overall female finisher.

Trophies, cool T-shirts, and lot's of cold drinks were handed out after the race. Thanks go out to Lori Gardner and Fayette County Park for making sure this race happens. Next year, give the pavement a break, and check out the Fayette County 5K.