Saturday, March 24, 2001 -- Marietta, OH
Shamrock Classic 2001 (iPO Event Id#: 3007)
Story and photos by Pat Shreves

[Details] [Coverage]
[Overall Results] [Results by Class]
Pictures: [Set 1] [Set 2] [Set 3] [Set 4] [Set 5] [2000 Coverage]

Celebrating spring, whatever the weather

In sharp contrast to last year's race, the 20th Annual Shamrock Classic sported conditions that were less than ideal. As I traveled toward Marietta, Ohio, the sky was overcast and I noticed sprinkles on my windshield. As I arrived in town, I decided to invest in some rain gear. It was a wise decision. The rain was steady throughout the 10K, but did stop for the 5K race. As race walker, Terry Whitecotton described after the race, "if you were a duck, it was fine out there".

As 8:30 neared, over 100 competitors for the 10K race made there way up Front Street to the starting line in front of the Post Office. The starter explained the course and that the weather was especially arranged for the event. He also informed the runners that the wind would be at their backs at all times on the course. The humor did fend off the cold and wet for a few seconds.

The Mayor of Marietta was on hand and sent the pack on its way. As the participants left the starting line, they made their way through the rain soaked streets that varied from brick to pavement. For the most part, the course was level and the rain and cool temperatures didn't have much effect on performance.

Sprinting through the streets of Marietta

As the runners moved toward the finish line in front of the Layfayette Hotel, it was Dave McCollam grabbing top honors with a time of 31:21 (his personal best in a road race) followed by Kevin Williams in second with a time of 34:17. For the women, first at the line was Stephanie Agosta with a time of 39:34 and second went to Cassandra McCune at 40:39 and third was Katie Thompson at 49:19. McCollam, who also runs cross country, attributed today's personal best time to his faith and keeping focused.

The 5K Run and Walk got underway at 9:30 and was fortunate not to have the rain (they too had the wind at their back through the entire course). Runners and walkers left the line in a mass start and set out on a short version of the 10K course.

It's shorts (and a turtleneck, hat, and gloves) weather

Finishing first for the men was Kevin Boyce (a cross country runner from Alderson-Broaddus College) with a time of 16:23, second at 16:40 was Tony Bosta, and in third was Ben Ortt at 17:09. For the women, first was taken by Amanda Spindler in a time of 22:51, second was Dana Cinibulk with a time of 23:15 and third was Mindy McNabb at 23:36.

The walkers finished with Rollie Woods in first with a time of 30:54, second was Bernard Fries at 31:46, and in third, John Elliott at 32:15 in the men's division. The women finished with Paula Curtain first at 32:30, Martha Marks second at 33:32, and third was Alayne Baldinger at 33:48.

Congratulations to the winners and all who participated and especially the ultimate winners of this event, the American Cancer Society and the people they help. Special thanks goes to American Producers, Hotel Layfayette, Marietta Memorial Hospital, Bank One, Rossi Pasta, and Press Mark Printing.