Saturday, September 25, 1999 -- Morgantown
September Stride 5K
Story & photos by Julie Bertsch

[Coverage] [Results] [Pic Set 1] [Pic Set 2] [Pic Set 3] [Pic Set 4]

Mikenze Poling is ready to race

Some warm September weather gave over 250 people in Morgantown a valid excuse to spend Saturday morning...outside! The course for the September Stride 5K Run & Walk was a series of some rolling hills, paved sidewalks and paths that lead runners around the Ruby Memorial Hospital parking lot, past the WVU Football Stadium, and by some of the bustling streets of Morgantown on WVU's Evansdale campus. Racers were safe on the sidewalk that wound it's way around more than half of the course which was USA Track & Field-certified. The runners and walkers gathered by the Ronald McDonald House as they fired the gun that sounded as loud as a cannon to start the race!

Heather Bury finishes 8th Overall!

The top 3 men finishers were fairly spread out, with Bill Carney finishing as 1st overall with a fast time of 15:35. Finishing in 2nd place overall was Richard Secrest (16:03) who had a great time as well. Taking 3rd overall was the winner of Gene's Run for Special Olympics, Kevin Williams with a time of 16:17.

Last year's 1st place woman was back again to try to claim the win for the women's category. She was also a 1st place winner at the Gene's Run for Special Olympics. That woman was Heather Bury, who had the lead after the 1st mile with Sara Walker keeping an eye on her. Bury kept up her fast pace, never losing step and looking strong, she finished 8th overall, and as the 1st place woman with a time of 18:15. "I won it last year," said Bury, "But I've got a big race tomorrow and I hope I don't get pushed too much today."

Winner of the Little Farm Run Invitational last weekend, Sara Walker came ready to race in the September Stride 5K. Walker had a fast pace of 6:04, and finished 2nd overall for the women with a time of 18:52. Finishing 3rd in the women's category was Julie Warner (19:42).

Steve Bence speed walks his way to another victory

Always a strong competitor in speed walking, everyone seems to know Steve Bence when he arrives at a race. Bence stayed a minute or more ahead of Ken James to finish 1st overall in the walk with a time of 26:49. Second overall in the walk was Ken James (27:30), and 3rd was Ken Ashton (31:39).

WVOutside would like to thank Gina Shell, Ed Newcomer, and Rick Yurick; the crew of SERJ Racing Services. They provided us with speedy, professionally done race results for the September Stride 5K! Thanks to all who made this race possible and a great success!