Sunday, September 10, 2000 -- Helvetia, WV
Helvetia 10K Mountain Run
Story by Johanna Lehmann

[Details] [Coverage] [Overall Results] [Results by Class]
[1998 Helvetia 10K] [1999 Helvetia 10K]

The scenic road to Helvetia

The 86th Annual Helvetia Fair again sponsored the 10K Mountain Run as part of its weekend of festivities and by popular demand returned the 2 mile walk. The historic tiny hamlet of Helvetia was awash with activities all weekend with plenty of energy left for the third running of the mountain 10K.

For the true "Problem Runner", there was even a hash run through the woods Saturday evening at the Lehmann farm. Those who attended had a great time and, once done, appreciated Dan Lehmann's creative "...easy run through the woods." The stout of heart refreshed themselves after with a jump in the cool pond. Then, there were plenty of down-downs for the "virgins" and for Lehmann himself resulting from Hare infractions. This is sure to be an annual event from here on out, so remember to get there early and take advantage of the free camping at the farm.

Sunday morning, the sixty three runners and fourteen walkers were greeted by unusually warm and humid air for this time of year. The runners were assured at the start of the race that this year they would get their feet wet and muddy as a result of all the summer rains and full creeks.

Climbing "the hill" in 1999's race

Sidney Gillispie (25), of Elkins, was the first to cross the finish line with a time of 40:10. Joe Dean (40), of Buckhannon, kept Gillispie working and took second overall with a time of 40:56. Wayne Bennett (19), of Belington, finished third overall with a time of 41:45. Rebecca Schoonover (32), the 1998 winner and 1999 runner-up, took high honors for the women once again with a time of 48:17. Jill Zurbach (39), of Elkins, took second place overall for the women with a time of 57:17. Linda Tracy (43), of Beverly, was third overall for the women, along with her canine companion, with a time of 58:09.

Once again it was a fantastic field of athletes ranging in age from 8 to 70. The youngest runners ever to complete the challenging course were twin 8-year-old sisters, DeAnna and BreAnna Summerfield, of Mill Creek, WV. They finished with times of 77:15 and 77:16, respectively... quite inspirational. Everyone enjoyed the Helvetia hospitality and the home baked goodies at the finish. In addition, along with fresh fruit, water, and Gatorade, plenty of door prizes were distributed before the awards ceremony.

You don't want to miss all the fun!

Joe Dean, who finished second overall, liked the course so much that before leaving for home felt compelled to run it, and "the hill", a second time! Now there's a problem runner. We like your kind, Joe, come see us again soon!

With continued support from Coastal Lumber and Little Meadow Health Center and the wonderful assistance from the community and volunteers, this truly is a great race and a fun weekend. So, if you haven't made plans to do so already, be sure to come join us next year!