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Sunday, October 24, 1999 -- Gilbert
Mountain Heritage 6k Trail Run
Story & photos by Pam Anderson

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

Mt. Heritage 6K
Running on the trail and enjoying the Fall season in Gilbert
Overcast skies and cold temperatures greeted the trail runners participating in the First Annual Mountain Heritage 6k Trail Run held at R.D. Bailey Lake near Gilbert, the heart of coal country. The Gilbert YMCA organized this event to promote sportsmanship and to show the beauty of the R.D. Bailey Lake area. Mountain Heritage Fall Classic organizers said, "As the race progresses along the old railroad and rugged mountain trail that you will gain an appreciation for what our ancestors had to endure when settling and developing the region. The railroad bed was formerly the lifeline that linked isolated communities to supplies, allowing resources to be moved to market and our Appalachian culture to spawn. The life was not easy, as evidenced by traversing the hand-carved trail snaking along the mountain. However, through perseverance and determination, we still thrive in the Mountains to this day. That same tenacity carried runners into the Mountain Heritage Fall Classic Run and help push them across the finish line."

Mt. Heritage 6K
A little cold wind & rain can't make me frown today!
Nineteen runners took the challenge of the mountains. Taking first place overall male was Gary Smith (26:27) of Hurricane. Gary said the course was a challenging course especially the trail part but an enjoyable course to run. Capturing a first place overall female finish was Lana Moore (35:13). Also today's race paid off for Philip and Andrew Hoffman of Williamson, when their race time was less than that of their father, coach and mentor Tom Hoffman.

After a cold afternoon run the awards ceremony was held at the Larry Joe Harless YMCA in Gilbert where race participates received medals, prizes and could also enjoy the use of the facility for the day. Thanks go to the efforts and hard work of race director Terry Hamrick, Katrina Blankenship, John Pennington and the Corp. of Engineers.