Saturday, March 18, 2000 -- Huntington, WV
Tim Wells Memorial 5K Run
Story and photos by Marty Lamp

[Details] [Coverage] [Overall Results] [Results by Class]
[Pic Set 1] [Pic Set 2] [Pic Set 3] [Pic Set 4]

JC Chirgwin strides to the finish

Ritter Park was showered with sunshine on a cool Saturday morning as runners and walkers gathered for the 11th Annual Tim Wells Memorial Run. Every year some of the areas top runners, as well as many friends and locals, pay tribute to the late Tim Wells and the always smiling Wells Family, who every year are in attendence for this classic race.

This race is ran each year in memory of Tim Wells, himself a promising high school athlete when he collapsed and died in 1989. The tragedy occurred while playing basketball with his brothers in Huntington. The following year the first Tim Wells Memorial race took place, and has been increasing in popularity since then.

The 3.1 mile course held no surprises, as it took off from Ritter Park along North Boulevard to the Memorial Arch, and then back to the shelter in Ritter Park. Many people decided to enjoy the morning by taking part in the non-competitive walk that also followed the running course.

Kelly McGraw wins in Huntington

With temperatures hanging in the upper 30's despite the warming sunshine, the racers took off for a chilly start at 9:00am. The first person back to the finish line was JC Chirgwin(16:29), and other the police escort, he came in all alone. Chirgwin managed a blistering 5:19 pace per mile enroute to his win, 45 seconds ahead of his closest competitor.

Finishing in second place overall was Larry Atkins(17:14), who kept a 5:33 per mile pace to keep in front of a heated battle between Justin Rogers(17:24) and Justin Cox(17:24), who tied for third place overall.

Plenty of awards for everyone

The fastest female to run the course this day was Kelly McGraw(19:58). The speedy McGraw held a 6:26 per mile pace as she finished in 29th place overall. Just 1/2 minute behind was second place female finisher Connie Young(20:32), with young Tomiko Williams(21:12) finishing third for the ladies. Young and Williams finished 35th and 45th overall, respectively.

There were 155 entrants racing this year, with many more people just enjoying the fellowship and friendliness that is commonplace at this popular race. Appreciation goes out to the Wells Family, race director Diana Porter, and to Tom Plummer and "Judy" for handling the results.