Thursday, August 5, 1999 -- Follansbee
Garibaldi Days Follansbee 5K Run/Walk
Story and photos by Don Parks

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

Garibaldi Days brings everyone out to the streets of Follansbee

Another Garibaldi Days celebration was kicked off Thursday evening, August 5th, with a 5K run through the streets of Follansbee. The annual event also includes a weekend of parades, concerts, fireworks and all the fun of an Italian festival. But some folks like to pay before they play, and a nice 3-plus mile run or walk around town is a excellent price.

The run begins with a flat loop through the downtown streets for the first mile. Then the hills on the east side of town test everyone's legs for another mile. The final mile includes a nice downhill into town and a short loop back to the finish. With the weather rather nice for an August evening, and two water stops waiting along the way, everything was set for a great race.

Mitch Radella sets his sights on Bill Roadman

Just after 7:00pm the starting signal was given and the rush down Main Street began. Getting an especially quick start was Rich Secrest, new Head Track Coach at Bethany College and a former runner and coach at West Virginia University. With a 5K PR of 14:31 and some recently renewed training efforts, Secrest built on his early lead the entire race to finish first overall in 16:06.

The race for second was not settled as quickly with Bill Roadman taking up the position early in the race. Roadman held second for the first mile as Mitch Radella was methodically working his way up through the field. Using the hills in the second mile, Radella was able to work his way up to challenge Roadman. The third mile had Radella now in control of second place, as position he held to the finish in a time of 18:06. Roadman held on for third with a finishing time of 18:33. "[Radella] beats me every race," said Roadman after his run, "I just tried to hold him off as long as I could."

Lee Ann Huizdak and Jenna Dennis battle to the finish

The race for first in the female began with Marcy Haught and Mallory Roadman setting the pace as they ran together for the first mile. The hills again seemed to make the difference as Haught was able to build a gap over Roadman during the second mile. She took the lead all the way to the finish with a time of 21:36 with Roadman coming in second at 22:26. Both women made great improvements over their times from 1998's Garibaldi Days 5K.

Many more great runners and walkers came across the line as the sun set over the Ohio River. Many were rewarded with trophies for their efforts while even more earned prizes in random drawings. With the band taking the stage, another 5K race through the streets of Follansbee came to and end, but the Garibaldi Days were just getting started. Many thanks go out to all the wonderful volunteers and supporters, with a special thanks to the Giuseppe Garibaldi Lodge.