Sunday, March 11, 2001 -- Somerset, PA
Shanksville 5K & 10K (iPO Event Id#: 3019)
Story and photos by Dana Harshbarger

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

What a prize table!

When a race flier announces "The Apple Pies return" you know you can't go wrong!

Around 60 runners and walkers showed up on what started out as a spring-like day, and then turned into a small blizzard by the 1pm race start. Race Coordinator Dave Mapes commented that, for the last 22 years that the race has taken place, pretty much anything but good weather has been the case.

Gathering at the Shanksville-Stonycreek school complex, the racers divided into their groups of 5k-ers and 10k-ers. The 10K began at the top of the hill near the school, and made left-hand turns around Lake Stonycreek, thus allowing the wind to equally be at their backs, sides and faces! The 10K also happens to be the oldest road race in Somerset County.

The 5K started a few minutes later, at the bottom of the hill and went through town the opposite direction, and then joined the 10K near the finish line.

Grin and bear it, spring is just around the corner

Crossing the line first for the 10K men was Tom Deakins of Meyersdale, with a time of 37:29. Jean Coyle, of Somerset, led the women with 48:49.

The 5K had 14 year-old Pat Isgen of Somerset in at 19:23. Kathy Hause of Stoystown brought it home for the women with 26:38.

There were quite a number of race walkers and first for the women was Lisa Papini of Somerset in at 38:37. For the men it was Bill Goodwin (28:44). Bill has been doing this race with his daughter Rose Goodwin (31:30, 19-under) since she was 6 years old. It continues to be an annual father-daughter event for them, with mom Nancy cheering them on and taking pictures from the sidelines.

Another family team was the Blackburns, with mom Margaret walking with daughter Kelsey (age 8) while dad Bill did the 10K. Also of note is 70 years young, Dorothy Troy, keeping pace with those half her age!

Okay, now we're ready for some pie!

The Sophomore Class, who for the past several years have been assisting and promoting the race as a fundraiser, served post-race goodies in the cafetorium. From gathering the pies from the many sponsors, race registration, course marshalling and pace and sag cars, the Class of 2003 is to be commended for the fine race they put on this year. Make sure you frequent the too-numerous-to-list sponsors (check the back of your shirt!) for their generous contributions to this years race.

Thanks to everyone who helped put on this race, and be sure to turn out again next year. Who knows, there's always a chance the weather will be nice. Then again, you can at least always count on the pies being fresh!