Saturday, August 14, 1999 -- South Charleston
Pinch 5K Challenge
Story and photos by Lori Garbesi

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

Jared Smith picking up the pace in Pinch

Pinch, West Virginia, just outside of Charleston, was the setting of the 3rd Annual 5K Challenge on August 14, 1999 at 8:00a.m. The race began in front of the football field and attracted approximately 50 enthusiastic runners from all around the area. With overcast skies and a refreshingly cool breeze, runners lined up to start the race on a flat area of the road about 1/4 mile from the football field. This flat area of the road was forgotten once racers took off and hit the steepest hill of several, within this first mile of the course. The course climbed and then rolled downhill and back up a few inclines. It was basically rolling, with very few flat areas. In fact, the question of the day seemed to be, "Where are the flats they mentioned?" Needless to say, everyone survived and seemed proud to have accomplished such a feat.

Adam Cross powers the hills

Jared Smith appeared to be completely comfortable and experienced with this type of course, so much so that he won the race without any competitors nearby. Jared proved to be the Two Time Defending Champion of the Pinch 5K Challenge. He described the course as one of the most difficult in the area, as did many other participants. The "killer" was the first steep incline that was found with in the first mile of the race. Jared improved his time this year with an impressive finish of 17:58. Following him for second place was Adam Cross (18:54) and Brent Garrett (19:18) for the third place position.

Rebecca and Ed Haver run stride for stride

In the women's division, Rebecca Haver (21:01) won first place by conquering those hills with impressive speed. Rebecca, a Teays Valley native, is a cross-country runner for Malone College in Ohio and will be heading there this week for cross-country camp. Following her in second and third place respectively were Kala Lester (23:27) and Ashley King (25:32).

The cooler temperatures and the resistance of rain made the morning an enjoyable one for racers and spectators alike. Thanks goes to all those people who donated their time to make this race possible. All proceeds went to the Pinch Community Boosters and sponsors included Delta Sign Company, CellularOne, Rogers' IGA, and WKAZ 107.3.