Saturday, March 22, 2003 -- Marietta, OH
22nd Annual Shamrock Classic (iPO Event Id#: 5317)
Story and photos by Don Parks

[Details] [Coverage]
[Overall Results] [Results by Class]
Pictures: [Set 1] [Set 2] [Set 3] [Set 4] [Set 5] [Set 6] [Set 7] [Set 8] [Set 9]
[Set 10] [Set 11] [Set 12] [Set 13] [Set 14] [Set 15] [Set 16] [Set 17]
Past Coverage: [2000] [2001]

The 10K crowd gets the green light

What a beautiful morning for a run or walk through the streets of Marietta, Ohio. It sure adds to the fun when the local community comes out in support, and helps close off traffic in sections of town, and lets the pedestrians rule the road. Put all this together with knowing you're helping support a great cause, the American Cancer Society, and you certainly have the formula for a great day.

First to finish this race day were the 5K runners. And seemingly in the biggest hurry where Parkersburg, WV's Mike Jones and New Martinsville's Matt Quinet. Racing together off the front, they pulled away from the rest of the field, and it wasn't until the final stretch that Jones made a decisive move.

Jones hit the line at 16:20 followed by Quinet at 16:26. Following in their wake it was David Hesson, of Elba, OH, rounding out the top three at 17:22.

Just a beauty day in Marietta

The women's 5K field had a clear winner early with Marietta's Katie Wieferich cruising in for the win at 20:19. Grafton, WV's Heather McDaniel was also alone as she hit the finish at 21:17 for second overall.

The real 5K women's battle was for third, were Lowell, OH's Mindy McNabb edged her rivals to grab a podium spot at 22:15.

The next race leaders to take the tape were 5K walkers. Dominating everyone around the streets of Marietta were the strides of Wellsville, OH's Barb Kornbau. She took the overall win with a comfortable lead at 30:22.

Leading the race for second was a contingent of men. Within sight of each other down the final stretch, it was Wheeling's Terry Whitecotton (32:04) getting a few steps on Bridgeport, OH's Rollie Woods (32:15) and Marietta's Tom Schoeppner (32:33).

Rounding out the top three women's finishers were Marietta's Lori Davis (33:05) and Williamstown, WV's Brenda Pomrenke (33:46).

Don't look now, someone may be gaining on you

Making their way up through the more leisurely walkers were the first finishers of the 10K race. Doing two laps around the 5K course, it was Condy Richardson off the front early and never letting up. Hailing from Lancaster, OH, he raced into the finish at 34:17 with no one close behind.

The battle for second was waging the entire race with a close pack slowly thinning out. As they started down the final straight on Front Street, St. Albans, WV's David Kline had a several second gap on Athens, OH's David Miller and Fresno, OH's Ben Ortt.

In an attempt to surprise Kline, Miller made a final surged through the crowd of lapped 5K racers hoping maybe Kline wouldn't notice. With the finish in site, a quick turn of the head and it was all Kline needed to help find a final kick and foil his wily adversary's plan.

Kline was clocked at 35:15.24 to Miller's 35:15.84. A few seconds back, and just out of range, Ortt crossed for fourth at 35:19.

Hope to see you next year!

It was a trio of Ohio ladies who finished 1-2-3 in the race for the women's overall 10K title, finishing 21st, 22nd, and 23rd overall. It was New Concord's Harriet Hunter (40:31) taking the top spot followed by Nashport's Cassandra McCune (40:47) and Lewis Center's Susanne Ebersbach (41:25).

As everyone finish in the cool breeze of late March, the bountiful tables of refreshments, plentiful random prizes, and sparkling winners' trophies awaited. Once again this year, everyone helped make the day's big winner the American Cancer Society.

Please help give a big thanks to the race sponsors; American Producers, Hotel Layfayette, Marietta Memorial Hospital, Bank One, American Cancer Society, and Rossi Pasta; and to all the volunteers and participants.