Saturday, September 9, 2000 -- Morgantown, WV
September Stride 5K
Story and photos by Julie Black

[Details] [Coverage]
Results: [Overall Results] [Results by Class] [Walk Results]
Pictures: [Set 1] [Set 2] [Set 3] [Set 4] [Set 5] [Set 6]

Just trotting along on a September Saturday morning

[1998 Coverage] [1999 Coverage]

The Morgantown Area Grand Prix continued with the popular, September Stride 5K. Now in it's 7th year, this event has continued to grow, breaking it's overall participant numbers from the past. With everything on the agenda, like a pasta dinner, and a running seminar, it's no surprise to see the parking lot in front of the almighty WVU stadium fill up when there's no home game.

Providing runners & walkers with uniquely handcrafted awards, and some cool cash, this race also benefits the Richard Rosenbaum Cystic Fibrosis Fund.

Bill Carney returns in 2000

Despite the cooler temperatures this year as compared to 1999, the day took a slight turn toward some heavy humidity. The rolling course wound it's way around the stadium's prime tailgating spots, in front of the Ruby Memorial Hospital, onto some residential roads, and then back to the parking lot to the new SERJ finish line.

As the runners hoofed it to the first water station, a pack of familiar faces were leading the way. Familiar, not only from other MAGP races, but these particular runners finished in the top 3 spots in the '99 September Stride 5K. Richard Secrest, Bill Carney, and Kevin Williams kept it close in the 1st mile.

Pushing each other to pick up the pace, it was finally Bill Carney who pushed it harder than anyone to reclaim the overall spot that he also won in 1999 with a time of 16:05. The pack spread out, and Kevin Williams(16:22), finished 2nd with Louis Rich Jr.(16:48) behind him. Ed Frohnapfel kept on Rich's heels, but then feel back to stake out 4th overall with a 16:48.

Heather Bury leaves her mark

Still sporting the black shorts with the white stripes, a certain slender ADIDAS runner seems to get faster every year. The person I'm referring to is non other than Heather Bury, who was the top female finisher in the '98 & '99 September Stride. Bury dominated the women's category again, taking home the 1st place prize, and finishing 7th overall with an even faster time than in 1999 of 17:09.

Easily snatching the 2nd spot for the ladies was Erin O'Reilly(18:42), and taking 3rd was Darlene Weaver with a time of 21:39.

Finishing first overall in the 5K Walk was the always pleasant, Peggy Thomas of Connellsville, PA. Thomas finished the 5K in 35:46. Samuel Parsons(37:23), took home the first place prize for the men.

The kids strut their stuff

After the race was over, everyone was treated to some fine refreshments including Smiley Cookies! The kids got a chance to be in the spotlight when they had a race of their own.

The next MAGP race is in Morgantown, WV again. This time you'll race through town in the United Way Downtown 5K Run. All proceeds will benefit the United Way of Monongalia & Preston Counties!