Thursday, June 2, 2005 -- Connellsville, PA
20th Francis Bud Murphy Memorial 5K (iPO Event Id#: 6938) Story and photos by Heather Bury

[Details] [Coverage]
[Overall Results] [Results by Class]
Pictures: [Set 1] [Set 2] [Set 3] [Set 4] [Set 5] [Set 6] [Set 7] [Set 8]
Past Event Coverage: [2000] [2001] [2002 Results] [2003] [2004]

Walking in numbers at Bud Murphy

The Francis "Bud" Murphy Memorial 5K is usually hot and humid with a threat of rain, and this year's 20th annual running (and walking) did not disappoint. Though the showers held off, there was a nice strong breeze at the top of the hill where the race runs around the Connellsville Area Schools.

Western Pennsylvania has long been a hotbed for not only running, but also race walking. At the Bud Murphy 5k, the walk is a hotly contested event and drew just as many competitors as the run.

In first for the men's walk was Craig Baer of FOrt Hill, PA in 31:24.4 with Matt Ptacek of Connellsville close behine in 31:31.6. The first woman was third overall as reigning champion Jamie Brooks of Connellsville finished in 31:37.0.

But the runners still go first

The second overall female was Kathy Paes of Fredericktown in 32:27.5. The third overall male was Jim Downey of Connellsville in 31:40.3, and the third female was Megan Regula of Brownfield, PA in 34:15.2.

On the run side, dominating the event once again was Adam Shinsky of Uniontown, PA with a crushing time on the hilly course of 16:59.7. In second was Wade Schnorr of Connellsville with an 18:00.8. Rounding out the top three was Heath Piper of Washington, PA in 18:08.9.

Anne Kokanski wins for the women

On the women's side of the run Anne Kokanski of Irwin, PA won with a time of 21:37.6 almost a minute ahead of Jenny Kooser of Mill Run, PA in 22:24.3 and Suzanne Weightman of Greensburg, PA in 22:26.0.

The usual abundance of hotdogs and kraut, pizza, and cake was served after the race outside of race host Highlands Hospital. Meanwhile runners and walkers alike enjoyed the sounds of a DJ and awaited their awards and prizes before heading down to Bud Murphy's Sports Bar and Restaurant for still more free refreshment.