Sunday, January 14, 2001 -- Tazewell, VA
Clinchbrau New Years Day 15K
Story and photos contributed by Steve Crowder

[Details] [Coverage] [Overall Results] [Pic Set 1]
(NOTE: We are working to bring you complete results... please stay tuned.

A fine day for a run in mid-January

The Clinchbrau 15k had to be rescheduled from its original date of January 1st due to bad weather conditions. As it turned out, the reschedule was a good move, as the 40 runners who took to the streets of Tazewell, Virginia couldn't have asked for better weather than what they found this past Sunday. The great weather, along with a course that was relatively flat for the second half of the race, made for some perfect running and a few personal best times for the participants.

Steve Crowder and Ron Young each made a long drive to get to the race, Crowder coming from Fincastle, VA, and Young coming all the way from Annapolis, MD. They made their trips worthwhile by running away from the field and taking the top two spots in the race. After Young took the race out fast, Crowder grabbed the lead just before the mile and steadily pulled away, breaking the tape in 50:10 for a new course record. Young continued to run solid as well, crossing the line in 55:34. Rounding out the top three on the men's side was Danny Sturgill, who finished with a time of 57:03.

Running for Clinchbrau brews had everyone celebrating

In the women's race, Margaret Schambach was in control all the way. She won easily with a time of 1:04:38. Donna Akers took runner up honors finishing in 1:17:32, while Elaine Wykle finished third in 1:23:44.

After runners crossed the line and received their medallion for finishing the event, everyone headed inside for a post race celebration that included pizza, bagels, fruit, and fresh brews from the Clinchbrau Brewery. Some nice awards were handed out as well, with trophies going to the overall men's and women's winner as well as the top three in each age group. Special thanks go out to Bob Trimble of the Clinchbrau Brewery, the town of Tazewell, and the many others who made this unique event a success.