Saturday, May 31, 2003 -- Frostburg, MD
Race to the Rescue 5K (iPO Event Id#: 5617)
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]

Jaron Hawkins leads from the start

It didn't rain during the race, but the varied race surfaces and earlier storms made for some muddy shoes and legs. It didn't seem to slow local favorite Jaron Hawkins as he chalked up another win.

The course twisted through the Parris Glendening Recreation Complex - across parking lots, down cinder paths, around ball fields - until hitting the local streets. There the course had a number of turns as it crisscrossed the roads before heading back into the park for a finish going back the way you came.

The front runners quickly took up their positions with Hawkins out in front followed by Brian Hopkins and Tony Yurko. Yurko had held second early, but Hopkins didn't let that last long and they finished in the same order the ran most of the race. Hawkins' win was clocked at 17:20 followed by Hopkins at 17:48 and Yurko at 18:12.

Jennifer Patton kicks for the finish

The real racing went on behind these leaders as Ryan Abe (19:00) snuck past Scott Bonnette (19:04) at the finish to take fourth overall. Then, behind them it was a sprint to the finish between Chris Negley and Jimmy Kucharczyk as they were given identical times of 19:18. But Negley got the edge to take sixth overall.

For the ladies it was Jennifer Patton racing out to the front with Mary Siemen doing her best to keep pace. While Siemen, who checks in at three times Patton's age of 15, was able to keep her in sight for most of the race, the youngster held her ground.

Patton took the win at 21:38 to Siemen's 21:50. Taking third was Lynn Bridges (22:40) who out-kicked the younger Paula Bridges (22:48) in fourth.

The obligatory refreshments and awards followed the race in generous fashion. And everyone could feel fortunate that got our for a run and dodged the rain. Everyone should also feel good to know that their efforts, whether participating or helping out, went to benefit the Beall High School’s Cross Country, Indoor and Spring Track Teams. Oh, and by-the-way, women's winner Jennifer Patton runs for rival Westmar High.