Sunday, October 24, 1999 -- Morgantown
1st Annual WVU-SNA 5K Run/Walk
Story & photos by Julie Bertsch

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

Running into the wind in Morgantown!

On the cold and windy morning of Sunday, October 24th, the 1st Annual WVU-SNA 5K got underway on the downtown campus of West Virginia University. Over 30 participants braved the weather, as old man winter nipped at their heals. It may still be October, but the wind made it felt like February...Brrrr! As runners and walkers jumped up and down to keep their muscles warm, Race Director Jennifer Adamovich made sure that the volunteers and police escorts were in the right place.

Eddie Filcheck about to break the winners ribbon

The mass start got participants grooving down Prospect Street and then up to University Ave. where the rolling hills began to take their toll some shins and hamstrings early. Eddie Filcheck didn't seem to have any strained muscles holding him back as he kicked it back up Prospect Street to the finish right by the Mountain Lair! He took 1st in his age group and finished 1st in the 5K Run with a great time of 18:04.

Joe Campbell (18:59), ran a good paced race to be the 2nd person over the finish line and he took 1st place in his age group also. Two minutes exactly behind Campbell, James Romanowski (20:59), crossed the line 3rd and took home the 2nd place trophy in the Men's 21-29 age group.

Kathy Willming cruises to another 1st place finish

A familiar face at many races in northern West Virginia, Kathy Willming ran a strong race when she finished as the 1st woman and she took home the 1st place trophy in her age group! Mandy Harrison (24:06), ran her own race to finish 2nd for the women and Susan Petry (31:41), stayed 1 minute or so ahead of Hobby Burns to finish 3rd, respectively.

It was a fast 5K for the walkers as speed-walker extroidinaire, Steve Bence made his way quickly under the Serj letters to finish as the 1st Overall Walker with an excellent time of 28:13. A couple of minutes behind Bence was another familiar face, George Macek who took 2nd with a 31:35. Taking home the 3rd place prize in the 5K Walk was Ken Ashton (33:24).

The weather held off just long enough for the runners and walkers to enjoy some tasty cold-cuts and cool beverages. Cheers to a great job done by Race Director, Jennifer Adamovich, and let's not forget Gina Shell, Ed Newcomer, and Rick Yurick; the hard working team of SERJ Racing Services. Serj did a great job as always, providing WVOutside with professional results. If you missed this race, be sure to be there next year...it's got a great course!