Saturday, October 28, 2000 -- Kanawha State Forest, WV
Great Pumpkin Race
Story and photos by Pam Anderson

[Details] [Coverage] [Overall Results] [Pic Set 1] [Pic Set 2] [Pic Set 3] [Pic Set 4]
[1999 Coverage]

Taking off in Charleston

The eerie quiet of the Kanawha State Forest in Charleston came alive with the sounds of ghosts and goblins gathered together to run the 8th annual Great Pumpkin 5K race. As runners prepared to embark on a short journey through a relatively flat out and back course, the sun broke through to replace the ghostly gloom with a ray of golden light. When the gun sounded, runners headed out of the pool parking lot toward the north entrance where they circled around to return to the pool parking lot and cross the finish line.

Charging across the start line for an early lead was Justin Waybright (17:53) of Charleston with David Kline of St. Albans not far behind. As they returned to the finish line Kline was able to pull ahead of Waybright for a first place overall finish just two seconds ahead, with a final time of 17:51. Sprinting across the line for a third place overall victory was Troy Hughs with a time of 18:24.

Olivette Peterson shows her Halloween spirit

In the wheelchair division Mike Goode captured the overall win with a time of 23:30.

Back to defend her title from last years race was Kelly McGraw of St. Albans. McGraw crossed for a victorious overall win retaining her title with a time of 18:32. Capturing the second and third place overall female was Nicole Wooten (21:24) and Elizabeth Ury (22:34).

Of course it would not feel like Halloween with out a costume contest. Winning best costume in the 12 and under group was Olivette Peterson dressed as Pebbles Flinestone and the 12 and over was Andy Knap as "Billy Bob". Also awarded the youngest walker was Rachel Miller age 4 of Charleston and Myra Moody took the honor of the oldest walker. Finally the Top Physical Therapy Resident award went to Leizl Lacar.

The CAMC Physical Therapy Department sponsors the Great Pumpkin Run in observance of the National Physical Therapy Month. Today's proceeds will benefit the Physical Therapy Scholarship fund. This year's race was the largest number of participants of the races history. So congratulations to all the participants and a job well done to race director Debora Mattingly and all the volunteers. Also special thanks to Pat Board who provided the race results and his "true" interesting stories. So pick out a costume and join the CAMC Physical Therapy Department next October for the 9th Annual Great Pumpkin Run.