Sunday, January 16, 2000 -- Belpre, OH
Icicle 5K Run

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

The early leaders jockey for position

The first of three races in the River City Runners Club Winter Series kicked off on the banks of the Ohio River at 2:00pm on Sunday. The relatively mild temperatures for mid-January were offset by cloudy skies and blusterous winds on the flat, out-and-back course. A quick loop around the boat dock at Civitan Park started things off before heading the racers along the river with a favorable tail wind. Another quick loop got things turned around and headed back into the wind for the return trip to the finish.

When the racing got underway, the rivalry between Michael Guinn and Larry Taylor took to the front of the field with JR Luyster being the only other runner keeping their pace. By the time they reached the half-mile mark, Taylor pulled into the lead ahead of Guinn as Luyster fought to keep it close.

Megan Taylor fights the wind along the Ohio River

Taylor's strategy, "I knew I had to get him early because [Guinn] is unpredictable," was working as he used the early tail wind to gain a slight advantage. Meanwhile, Aaron Kaylor and Mike Taylor were pacing themselves nicely as they moved up through the field. By the two mile mark, Kaylor held the third spot just ahead of Mike Taylor in fourth with Luyster now back to fifth.

At the finish it was Larry Taylor still running strong to take first overall in 16:30 with Guinn taking second in 16:52. The battle for third came down to the wire as Mike Taylor used a powerful finishing kick to close fast on Kaylor. Later Taylor would say, "I should have started my kick a little earlier," as his efforts came up just short. Kaylor took third in 17:39 with Taylor on his heels in fourth at 17:40. Luyster held off Jeff Morris, sixth in 18:08, for fifth place at 18:03.

Friend or foe, it is always a race to the finish

The female field watched as Jessica Taylor, Larry Taylor's daughter, led from start to finish. However, the 16 year-old Taylor didn't think her winning time of 19:15 came easy. When asked about the winds on the course she said, "Actually, I thought it was blowing against you the whole time!" Luckily her competition was fighting the same wind with Kristin Daugherty, 23:42, taking second and Teresa Pickens, 24:39, taking third.

Whatever the weather, it seems that everyone enjoyed the afternoon's run. Several folks commented that they were impressed with their mid-winter form. It certainly helps to get out and keep that racing edge all year around. So don't make any excuses before that next race, just put on those layers and get outside!