Saturday, July 10, 1999 -- Charleston
Children's Therapy Clinic 5K
Story & photos by Don Parks

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

Here comes the running train

Given the recent hot and humid weather, a little break from the sun was not poorly received in Kanawha City. On Saturday morning, July 10th, a light rain fell on the streets of Charleston as the participants at the annual Children's Therapy Clinic 5K enjoyed a slight reprieve. And what better reason to get out for some fun in the summer rain than to help raise money for children with special needs? With both a competitive run and a more casual walk scheduled for the flat course that ran through mostly residential streets, there was something for everyone.

Duane Dombek looking good in the final turn

With indoor registration and plenty of volunteers to help out, the racing began with the runners hitting the streets at 8:00am. A little after 8:30am, the walkers got their strides underway.

During the first mile of the 5K (3.1 mile) race, a group of familiar faces were running near the front including Glenn Baldwin and Jared Smith. However, soon these two pushed the pace as they began to build an advantage with Aaron Kaylor setting up as their closest pursuer. But by the turn-around point, at the halfway mark, Baldwin took control of the race on his way to a first overall finish in 16:38, the only sub 17-minute time.

A little rain didn't seem to slow Kelli Mace

Smith cruised to the finish to take second overall in 17:06 with Kaylor crossing the line at 17:36 for third.

The competition in the women's ranks watched as Kelli Mace took the early lead and never looked back. Her time of 21:35 was more than enough to take first overall female honors.

Battling for second place overall were Marci Stinson and Holley Price. As they raced toward the finish in the final stretch, the younger legs of Price proved to have a stronger finishing kick. Her second overall female time of 26:03 was barely more than a second ahead of Stinson's third place time of 26:05.

Fun for men, women and children

As the last runners reached the finish, it was back to the dry and air-conditioned confines of the Columbia Gas cafeteria for plentiful refreshments and awards. It was another successful year for some special children and all those that helped to make it happen.

Special thanks must go to the generous race sponsors including Cellular One, Charleston Area Orthopedists & Physiatrists, Boll Medical and One Valley Bank. And of course you can't have a great race without great volunteer support. Plenty of that was thankfully donated by the folks at the Children's Therapy Clinic, Inc. and AMBUCS.