Sunday, October 22, 2000 -- Morgantown, WV
9th Annual Red Ribbon 5K
Story and photos by Julie Black

[1998 Coverage] [1999 Coverage] [Details] [Coverage]
Results: [Overall Results] [Results by Class] [Walk Results]
Pictures: [Set 1] [Set 2] [Set 3] [Set 4] [Set 5]

Runners race up the hill during the first mile

The Lucky Number 13 race in the 15 race, MAGP Series went off without a hitch on a lovely fall, Sunday afternoon. It marked the 9th incredible year for the annual Red Ribbon 5K. The Red Ribbon Campaign originated when Federal Agent Enrique Camarena was killed by drug traffickers in 1985. In communities all across the United States, the Red Ribbon was then adopted as a symbol to eliminate the demand for drugs.

During Red Ribbon week, October 23rd to October 31st, 2000, neighbors across our country will unite in this annual celebration of a Drug Free Lifestyle. As a symbol of the united and visible commitment to a Drug Free America, Red Ribbons will adorn thousands upon thousands of clothes, doors, mailboxes, schools, homes, and businesses.

Kevin Williams exhales at mile 2

This year's weather certainly was a perk when compared to last year's frigid temperatures, although some racers may say that it was almost.. too hot. No matter what the overall weather preference was for race day, the 5K Run/Walk's course was just the same as it has been in the past. The trek is rolling, with a tough uphill beat to the finish.

The race saw many familiar faces from the past 3 years, but there was a new mug lurking about at the starting line. Taking 2nd overall in his last MAGP Series race, the September Stride 5K, Kevin Williams proved to be on top of his game Sunday. Williams stretched out to an early lead and held onto it tight with no one to threaten his pace, finishing with a time of 15:48 for the overall win.

Leading the Series since the Buckwheat 5K, Murshid Latif

With only 2 more races left in the MAGP series, the scramble for points seemed evident in this 5K. Murshid Latif was at the top with points for 2000 heading into the Red Ribbon with Derek Clark on his tail. There may be a new points leader after this race, but you'll have to check the MAGP Points Sheet for updates.

Hitting the top spots in the Red Ribbon since 1998, E.J. Linger ran a 15:55 to claim 1st in '99. Duking it out with E.J. this year was Ed Frohnapfel, who's also finished in the top 3 in the past 3 years. On THIS day, it was the top winner of United Way Downtown 5K who's always in red, Frohnapfel, taking 2nd with a time of 16:30. Linger(16:58), finished a strong 3rd.

Enjoying a great race day

By now we should all know who Heather Bury is. She's been the female dominating runner in the Morgantown Area Grand Prix races since the beginning of 2000. Fast times seem to be her trade mark, among her top overall finishes, including a 1st overall win in the 1999 5K Run for M.S. Now, she's on top of the MAGP Series race for points in the Women's category, and her latest win should keep her there. Of course her latest win happens to be a 1st place women's trophy from the Red Ribbon, and a fast time 17:41, with an 8th overall finish.

Crossing the line way ahead of the rest of the ladies competition was Erin O'Reilly, who swept 2nd in 18:25. Taking 3rd was Olivia Ostron(20:53).

It's fun to race with friends!

The fastest walker to speed around the course was Steve Bence(26:23), and the 1st woman walker to trot across the line was Paula Curtin(35:03).

After everyone made it up the last hill, shuttles were run back up to the Mountaineer Mall for the awards ceremony. Good looking, long sleeve shirts were given to the participants as well an array of refreshments.

The next race in the MAGP Series is the WVU Student Nurses (SNA) 5K on Saturday, November 11th in Morgantown, WV.

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Do you want to know more about Red Ribbon Week? Then check out www.redribbonweek.com.