Sunday, March 16, 2003 -- Grafton, WV
Grafton 5 Mile Run (CARS #1) (iPO Event Id#: 5396)
Story and photos by Erin O'Reilly

[Details] [Coverage]
[Overall Results] [Results by Class]
Pictures: [Set 1] [Set 2] [Set 3] [Set 4] [Set 5] [Set 6]
[1999 Coverage] [2000 Coverage] [2001 Coverage] [2002 Coverage]

Ever feel like the miles are catching up with you?

It's almost too good to be true, one of those long awaited summer-like days after a harsh winter spell. No wonder there was a great turnout for the Grafton kids run, walk and 5k this past Saturday.

As the uphill start of the Graften 5 mile race got on its way, many runners charged with enthusiasm in their stride. But only one runner will prevail to the downhill finish that many were longing for on what seemed like an 80 degree day.

Taking the overall win was 17 year-old Scott Gemberling in his hometown of Grafton, WV. Scott took the victory in a time of 28:23. Second place overall was 20 year-old Matt Quinet. Matt chased to the finish just seconds back with a time of 28:26.

The kids get it all started

Third place was taken by 17 year-old John Riffel. John clocked in at a time of 29:32. Not too shabby on an unexpectedly hot day!!

Winning the women's division in the Graften 5 miler was Clair Grandt of West Union, WV. Keep a close eye on Clair in the future, she's only 15 years old and won in a time of 34:35!

Second place overall was Kelly Holipsky from the big city of Morgantown. Kelly is at a marathon peaking age of 37 and ran a time of 36:30.

Showing some kick for a stong finish

Third overall was another Morgantown native, Nicole Eorinzi in a time of 38:05. Nicole is a senior at University High School and will carry on her running career competing in college. Good luck Nicole!!!!

Let's not forget the 2 mile race-walkers everyone!! Bringing in the overall win was the hard working Graig Baer in a time of 18:37. Second overall followed Mike Burns in 22:04. Third place overall and separating the men came Kim Kime in a time of 22:51. Way to go Kim!!

And many thanks to race directors Eva Robinson, the new Preston High track coach, and assistant coach Bonnie McDaniel, as their hard work helped bring out 150 runners for a fine race.