Friday, May 25, 2001 -- Wheeling, WV
Ogden Newspapers Mile (iPO Event Id#: 3055)
Story and photos by Don Parks

Do you remember how much fun it is just to run?

As a prelude to the Ogden Newspapers 20K Classic, a Memorial Day annual event for the last 25 years, the fun began once again with some great Friday evening racing. There was a little something for everyone with the Intergenerational 2 Mile Walk, the Tiny Tot Trot, the Fun Mile, and the Ogden Newspapers Mile to choose from. Many families and friends hit the streets of Wheeling for a little bit of running and a big dose of fun. A few of the more serious folks enjoyed taking home a paycheck, and that certainly added a few more smiles.

The Kids and Fun Runers ran for the cheering crowds just before the official Ogden Newspapers Mile took to the streets. The "streets" are a downhill point-to-point mile that practically guarantees some sub four-minute miles. At least it had for the last eight years... and this year didn't disappoint.

It's great to have a good running partner, too

Putting the hammer down on this year's field was 24 year-old Jared Segera, now racing out of Columbia, KY, who breezed to a win in 3:51.14. Also gunning for the four-minute mark, and second place overall, was the Youngstown, OH, duo of Matt Folk (25) and Tim Tatarke (21). In a sprint finish Folk snuck in under four at 3:59.61 while Tatarke settled for third overall at 4:00.47.

Racing for their share of the over $1,000 cash purse was a trio of women from Morgantown, WV. Two of them previous West Virginia University runners including 2000 defending champion Heather Bury, a 26 year-old now running for Saucony and PowerBar, and Karin Lockhart, a 22 year-old who just completed her last season for the University. The third was Sara Walker (25), a standout for West Virginia Wesleyan, who is now attending WVU medical school.

For some folks, this is serious business

Bury ran almost an identical time as in 2000 finishing at 4:31.07. That would be all she needed to keep ahead of Lockhart who finished at 4:35.42. Walker found the line for third with a time of 4:46.82 and no one close behind.

Also earning some cash for their efforts (hey, the Kid's all got their cookies!) were the top two Master's finishers. Checks went to the Men's first and second place finishers, Carl Hubel (44) at 4:27.16, and S Mark Courtney (45) (of Runner's High fame) at 4:31.54. And more checks went to Sabine Kane (41), Women's first place at 5:22.98, and Debra Turner (45) taking home easy money in second at 6:48.69.

After the racing was over the streets quickly fell quiet. It seems that Wheeling was going to need its rest before the next mornings "World's toughest 20K!"