Saturday, September 18, 1999 -- Williamstown
Little Run Farm Invitational 5K
Story and photos by Marty Lamp

[Coverage] [Pic Set 1] [Pic Set 2] [Results]

Larry Taylor trying to keep his lead on Michael Bee

The 2nd Anuual Little Run Farm Invitational 5K was held outside of Williamstown, beside the Walker Systems facility on Saturday, September 18th. The Open 5K was ran through a constant mist of fog that wouldn't give way to sunshine until about an hour after the 8:30am start. The temperature was in the mid 60's when the pack of 25 racers lined up for the starting gun.

One of the unique aspects of this race is the fact that the course is ran totally on grass. The gently rolling cross country course started and finished by the ballfield, and wound its way around an adjacent cornfield and through the parking lot, giving spectators plenty of viewing opportunities.

Sara Walker winning again

Jumping out to the early lead was Larry Taylor(17:23). Taylor led Michael Bee(17:08) by as much as 100 yards until about the 3 mile mark, where Bee suddenly picked up his pace. Taylor wasn't able to counter the attack, as Bee gave a solid kick the last 1/4 mile.

Bee would finish first, and Taylor second while a great "sprint to the finish" took place between Josh Weekly(18:11) and Randy Gibbs(18:12). Weekly held on to a one second lead over Gibbs to get third overall.

The first woman to cross the finish line was Sara Walker(19:38), of Morgantown. Walker kept a pace of 6:19 per mile to finish in 8th place overall, and well ahead of her nearest female competitiors. Lori Gardner(24:19) finished second, while Theresa Pickens(26:00) finished third.

Thanks go out to Norma Philips for handling the results so promptly.