Monday, September 6, 1999 -- Paden City
Paden City Labor Day 5K
Story & photos by Julie Bertsch

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

A sprint to the finish between Darrell Billiter & Dennis Lovell!

Last year was a rough one for the runners in the Paden City Labor Day 5K, as thunderstorms showered the racers all morning! This year's Labor Day 5K proved to be very different. While it may have rained in other areas of West Virginia, the sun was surely shining on the people of Paden City. Over 30 happy, holiday racers gathered at the Paden City High School to sign up for the town's annual 5K Run. People of all ages were there, and just about the whole cross country team from Tyler County Consolidated showed up with their coach to participate! Proud Race Director and Athletic Trainer for Paden City High, Fred King explained some of the 5K's history, "This race used to get hundreds of people. It was shut down for a few years, but now we've got it going again!"

Trey Ford knows where the camera's at!

The well marked, very flat course wound it's way in and out of the residential area, ending on Route 2. The start, right in front of Paden City High School, headed up 4th Avenue which was lined with American flags for the noon, holiday parade.

Race Director and Paden City High's Athletic Director, Bob Burton, lined everyone up at the start. The coach's whistle was blown and it was time to race!

Getting out in front early into the race was last year's 5K winner David Schupbach. Leading at the 1/2 mile mark, Schupbach stayed 2 minutes or more ahead of the pack to beat his time from 98' by over a minute. He finished 1st Overall with a time of 18:41. Donald Lane(20:08) ran a strong race receiving the 2nd Overall trophy, and Adam Wells(20:37) finished 3rd Overall, respectively.

The race for 2nd Woman Overall is on!

Laura Fitzsimmons kept well ahead of the women in the race, and some men too! She finished as the 1st Overall Woman with a time of 24:17.

The race for the 2nd Place Overall Woman's trophy was tight. Abby Miller and Mandy Weese ran down the last stretch to the finish line together. Kicking up some dust and finishing as the 2nd Woman was Abby Miller(25:22), beating 3rd place Mandy Weese(25:23) by only a second.

The race was a lot of fun, and everyone stuck around afterwards for the awards and some Freezie-Pops! Special thanks goes out to the Race Directors Bob Burton & Fred King. Let's not forget their "better halves", Sharon Burton & Debbie King, who did a wonderful job with the race results! We'll see everybody next Labor Day!