Saturday, August 12, 2000 -- Latrobe, PA
Adelphoi Village Founder's Day 5K
Story and photos by Julie Bertsch

[Details] [Coverage]
Results: [5K Run O/A] [By Class] [5K Walk O/A] [By Class]
Pictures: [Set 1] [Set 2] [Set 3] [Set 4] [Set 5]

Plenty of smiles at the end

It was a cool August morning in Latrobe, Pa. when over 140 runners and walkers received a special blessing before they ventured out, onto the rolling 5K course.

The crowd set off for a good reason, since their race entries benefitted The Adelphoi Village (Off-Site URL), is a place that gives young people an opportunity to make a fresh start. Established in 1971, the Village has grown from a single group home in Latrobe, Pa. to a state-wide extensive network of community-based programs and services provided to over 500 children, youth, and families on a daily basis.

Michael Scaffardi, wears his Rolling Rock uniform proud

The strong sense of a faithful community was in the air, and smiles from friends and family were abundant. Some top runners showed up to dish out their contributions, and some tough competition.

The out & back paved trek had some substantial hills, challenging the swiftest feet, and the walkers form. High-steeping it from start to finish was under 25, Brian Sell. Finishing 1st in an awfully fast time of 15:14, Sell took home the tallest trophy to boot.

A familiar face from the Rolling Rock 5M Run, because he crossed the line 1st there, Michael Scaffardi sported his Rolling Rock attire that Saturday morn. "The last downhill was tough," explained Scaffardi(15:31), after his 2nd place finish that day, "I can't believe I got beat on a downhill." "Sometimes," Scaffardi said as he raised an eyebrow,"You run slower on the steep downhills." Also in Rolling Rock attire, Steve Ohler, topped out the podium at 3rd with a time of 16:10.

A case of the race giggles

Taking 3rd in Latrobe's latest, The Rolling Rock 5 Miler, Gina McGee pushed it hard to capture 6th overall, and 1st for the women with a great time of 19:24!

Sporting a BIG #1 win at the hot-n-sticky, Run to Read 15K in Fairmont, WV, Christina Steve looked strong in Latrobe. Holding steady at a pace of 6:40, Steve swept 2nd in 20 minutes and 45 seconds. Karen Mizikar(21:11), of Mt. Plesant, Pa. snagged 3rd for the ladies with ease.

Who knew that race walking could be so much fun?

The walkers toughed it out when the downhills took a toll on their legs, no doubt. In his usual good form, Steve Bence strutted his way to a 1st place finish in an intense 27:40.

Cheryl Giron took 4th overall, and first for the women in the walk with an excellent time of 34:07.

After the race was over, $100 Champ's gift certificates were given away. Jeff Doran, the vibrant MC and race director kept things running smoothly as SERJ Racing Services took care of the professional timing. It was a successful race, with an increase in racer's participants. We hope you can join in next year.