Saturday, October 2, 1999 -- Lubeck
Lubeck Volunteer Fire Dept. 5 Mile Run & 5K Walk
Story & photos by Julie Bertsch

[Coverage]   Pics: [Set 1] [Set 2] [Set 3]   Results: [Overall] [By Class]

Jordan Wilcox & Kindra Whitlatch having a good time!

Just 5 miles south of Parkersburg, the Volunteer Fire Department of Lubeck held a local favorite, the Lubeck VFD 5 Mile Run & 5K Walk. You could feel the excitement in the air, and see your breath as well! Some participants warmed their bellies with some tasty coffee, to get that extra jolt before starting time.

The chilly early morning did give way to some beautiful blue skies and comfortable fall weather after the run and walk had started. The runners' course started on Rt. 68 with police escorts, and then wound it's way up and down the rolling hills of the quaint neighborhood behind the Lubeck VFD. The walkers headed right into the residential area, rounding a cone and then heading back, up-hill to finish at the VFD parking lot.

Chip Allman cruises his way to 2nd Overall in the 5-Miler

"The last hill is the one they always seem to have trouble with." a local spectator said, who just happens to live on the top of the last hill on the course for both the run and the walk.

The first runner to top the grueling hill was Jared Smith. "This is the hardest course I've ever run!" exclaimed Smith, "There wasn't a flat spot in it!" Smith had not been running for two weeks because of a hurt achilles tendon, but despite his injury, he finished 1st Overall in the 5-Miler with a great time of 29:25.

No stranger to tough courses himself, Chip Allman (30:58) kept a great pace to finish 2nd Overall. Mike Massey (31:55) finished 3rd Overall respectively, in the 5 mile run.

Robin Barnett keeps up the pace

Robin Barnett kept up her pace to finish 1st Overall for the women and 14th Overall in the run with an excellent time of 37:53. A minute or so behind Barnett was Linda Cannon (38:39), taking 2nd for the women and Sharon Marks (39:42), ran away with 3rd.

The 5K Walk was exciting, as John Mike Nichols speed walked his way once again to victory with a 30:04. Not walking far behind Nichols, was his training partner and good friend, Jeanne Dorton (31:15), who finished 2nd Overall in the walk. Taking 3rd with strong strides was Bill Cunningham (32:02).

Joe Ross is happy that he's almost at the finish line!

After the run and walk were over, everyone piled in the Lubeck VFD for pancakes, sausage, and the awards ceremony! There were lots of giveaways, and lots of smiles. Cash awards were given to the top winners of the run and the walk! Professional timing was done by River City Runners with everyone's favorite race helper, Norma Phillips and crew. This race had many volunteers, the course was marked well, and results were available as quick as possible. Thanks to the Lubeck Fire Department, volunteers, and Dale McMahan, this race was a big success and it will be around for a long, long time.