Sunday, April 16, 2000 -- Martinsburg, WV
Danny Walsh 5K
Story and photos by Marty Lamp

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

The start in Martinsburg

Over fifty runners of all ages came to join in on the fun at the S.M.A.R.T. Clinic/Danny Walsh 5K on Sunday, April 16th. Unlike the the 1998 Danny Walsh 5K, the temperatures were pleasantly warm this year, with sunshine filling the sky and the fresh feel of spring in the air.

The 3.1 mile paved course was also slightly different this year, with the start and finish directly in front of the S.M.A.R.T. Complex. After leaviing the parking lot and making an immediate right, a 1/2 mile of gradual climbing led to some testy rolling hills before racers reached the halfway point and turned around to return to the finish. Although everyone was treated to 1/2 mile of gradual decline on theway back, the final 150 yards provided just enough climbing to put the finishing touches on those weary legs.

Ruth Riemenschneider just before the finish

When the starting gun went off at 9:00am, Karsten Brown(19:16) and Zack Mentzer(20:22) jumped out to the front with a strong early pace, however bu the time the first major uphil was encountered, Mentzer dropped off the pace slightly, allowing Brown to grab a healthy lead. Coming on strong was Mark Neely(19:40), who passed Mentzer, and had his sights set on Brown.

"I knew Neely was right behind me, but I couldn't hear his footsteps", said Brown afterwards. "I am just glad I head enough to hold on." Brown would finish 1st overall, with Neely finishing second, and Mentzer 3rd.

Karsten Brown with Mark Neely chasing

The fastest female on the course this day was once again Ruth Riemenschneider(20:27). Riemenschneider has proved quite formidable with numerous local wins to her credit this spring.

Riemenschneider managed a 6:36 per mile pace to finish an amazing 4th overall. Some 2 minutes behind, young Jiketta Underwood(22:46) finished second for the ladies, with Jillian Morton(23:16) finishing 3rd overall. Underwood and Morton finished 11th and 13th overall, respectively.

Thanks go out to Les Dutko and Steve Lough for putting together a fine race, that was enjoyable to all involved.