Saturday, October 30, 1999 -- Wheeling
Auggie's 5K Run & Walk
Story by Tom Rownd with additional imput & photos by Julie Bertsch

[Coverage] [Results] Pics: [Set 1] [Set 2] [Set 3] [Set 4]

Bring the kids along for the 5K!

On an ideal morning for road racing, 187 runners and walkers toed the starting line on the Heritage Trail at Warwood Middle School for the inaugural Auggie's 5K Run & Walk, a benefit for the Ohio County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. This special event was in loving memory of Race Director, Tom Rownd's cat, Auggie.

The fairly flat course was the paved Heritage Trail which runs along the Ohio River. Everyone was invited to bring their pets and run or walk with them in the race.

Nick Lautzenheiser turns on the juice

Nick Lautzenheiser of New Philadelphia, Ohio, dominated the scenic, out-and-back course from the firing of George Frazier's pistol, blowing away his competition with a time of 16:36. Shadyside's Joe Foster, who finished 67th two weeks earlier at the Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Bank International Marathon, finished a distant second in a time of 17:42. Wheeling firefighter Mike Hudimac, who nearly missed the event due to an early morning blaze, followed close on Foster's heels with a time of 17:47.

On the distaff side, Tina DiCocco's strong finishing kick assured her of first place honors with a time of 21:38, while Kathy Willming (22:11), outpaced Jessica Decapio (22:39), in a close battle for second place.

Steve Bence has a good day in Wheeling

Pennsylvania's Steve Bence, who was the second overall walker at the 1999 Big Boy Classic 20K, breezed to victory in the walk division with an exceptional time of 28:08. He was followed by McMechen's George "The Hammer" Macek, a familiar run and walk competitor in the Ohio Valley, who posted a time of 31:18.

Always a strong competitor in the 5K Walk, Kathy Campbell was right on Macek's heels, as she easily won the female division of the walk (31:27). Finishing strong as well, Janet Johnston was the runner-up for the female walkers with a time of 34:02.

It was a good time for everyone, as spectators cheered on racers as they sprinted up a very small hill to the finish line.

Marjie Harris walks her way to the finish!

Dominos Pizza supplied the post-race refreshments, and there was plenty of Gatorade for all. There were lots of fantastic prizes raffled off in the gym of the middle school.

The age division winners of the run and walk events received commemorative medallions designed by Wheeling native and Cincinnati-based artist, Jack Hennen, who also provided the incredible artwork for the long-sleeved race shirts. Congratulations to all who helped make this race a great success!

Don't miss the next exciting race coming up in Wheeling, next weekend it's the Paul T. Boos 5K+ Classic. The event is a 3.4 mile competitive run & walk.