Saturday, April 8, 2006 -- Glen Dale, WV
We Run, We Walk, For Webark
(iPO Event Id#: 7432)

[Details] [Coverage]
[Overall Results] [Results by Class]
Pictures: [Set 1] [Set 2] [Set 3] [Set 4] [Set 5] Past Coverage: [2004] [2005]

More puddles, more fun

Story and photos by J.R. Petsko

The 3rd Annual We Run, We Walk, For Webark! race went on, rain, snow, and wind. It was raining cats and dogs (pun intended), but no cancellations here. With all proceeds benefiting Webark Estates, Inc., a "No Kill" animal facility in Moundsville, West Virginia, the participants put on a smile despite the 39-degree, blustery weather.

Returning to defend his title of Webark Champion, Dustin Meeker of Rayland, Ohio, did just that. Meeker, who's run since he was 12, finished first overall with a time of 16:15. "I was happy with my performance despite the bad race conditions." said Dustin, "Though the course was a basic out-and-back, there were a lot of cross winds out there today." Meeker is a graduate of Wheeling Jesuit who's now in grad school at the University of Akron.

Out for a Saturday stroll

Diane Basich of Adena, Ohio, finished first in her age class in 2005. This year, Basich improved to finish first overall for the women (23:24). "This is only my 3rd year running. I started running because of my daughter." explained Diane, "I look forward to this event every year because it benefits such a good cause." Basich also said, "This was one of the few times I ran in pants (due to the weather). They made my legs 5 pounds heavier by the end!" Lessons learned, forget the pants folks, just get wet.

Second overall for the men was 19-year old, Sean Flanagan (17:34), of Valley Grove, WV. Ed Tullius of Moundsville, WV claimed third with a time of 17:46. Also from Moundsville, Shawna Zervos, finished second in the women's class while Brittney Stephen of West Liberty, WV, crossed for third.

Rain won't dampen our spirits

Out of Quaker City, Ohio, Kathy Ervin, strided in as the first walker with a time of 30:08. Tammy Paull (31:09), of nearby Wheeling, WV took second and David Workman of Shadyside, OH took home third place honors.

Standing out from the crowd was 15-19 year old class runner, Matt Custer, a sophomore at Wheeling Park High School. Custer runs on his schools cross country and track team. "It was a great race. Except for the extreme cold and rain." Said Matt, who despite the elements, still managed to cross the line with a smile on his face.