Saturday, November 6, 1999 -- Pipestem Resort State Park, Pipestem
Story and photos by Pam Anderson
22nd Annual Pumpkin Run

[Coverage/Recap] [Pic Set 1] [Pic Set 2] [Pic Set 3]
[Overall Results] [Results by Class]

Sisters Katie & Kellie are in sync for a 5K run in the park

The 22nd Annual Pumpkin Run, located in the scenic mountains of Pipestem State Park, got underway Saturday with 146 runners and walkers of all ages. This year's event included a 5K course in addition to the usual 10K distance. Both courses started at the Amphitheater with the short course turning right on the main drive and the 10K course turning left toward the lodge. Each contained rolling hills but neither included any serious climbs. The cool 54-degree partly cloudy day was perfect for the runners and walkers to enjoy the surrounding beauty and deer filled woods.

Aaron Phillips makes the 10K look easy

In the 5K run is was Larry Taylor who finished first overall with a time of 17:18. A close second place overall went to Jared Smith (17:29) who said he enjoyed the scenic course and even spotted a few whitetail deer along the way. The first overall female in the 5K went to Jessica Taylor with a time of 19:39 and a fourth overall finish. With the 15-year-old's father Larry Taylor cheering her to the finish, some are wondering how long it will be until it is the other way around.

Aaron Phillips, a senior at Pikeview High School, finished first overall in the 10K and took over a minute and a half off his 1998 winning time while recording a 35:12. After the race he admitted to feeling that the course may have been easier this year. However, comparing other top finishers' times to last year's, it appears not everyone might have felt the same. Regardless, Sharon Peake successfully defended her 1998 10K win by taking the overall female victory this year in a time of 43:05.

Bill Cunningham walks this way to 1st place

Other events included a 5K walk with avid speed walker William Cunningham taking the overall win in 32:22 while Betty Burgess took the female overall victory in 40:11. In addition, an 800-meter fun run for kids 12 and under boasted a group of aspiring young runners. Twelve year olds Crystal Koppler (3:19) and Matt Harris (3:01) took first place among the girls and boys, respectively.

The Southern West Virginia Road Runners Club President, Shirley Aycoth, and Pipestem Resort State Park Program Coordinator, Frank Ratcliffe, along with Paul Hodges, Tom Davis and many other volunteers helped to make the day's events enjoyable and successful for all. A big thanks goes out to everyone.