Thursday, June 14, 2001 -- Connellsville, PA
Francis Bud Murphy Memorial 5K (iPO Event Id#: 3177)
Story and photos by John Nesbitt

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

Out for a stroll Bud Murphy style

The 15th Annual Bud Murphy Memorial Classic was held on June 14, 2001. For the first time this traditional weekend race was moved to a Thursday night with great success as over 250 runners pre registered for the race. According to race director Patty Porter, Bud Murphy was a longtime resident of Connellsville who did a lot over the years for Highland Hospital and the city and so after he passed away a few years ago they decided to rename the race in his honor.

In the men's open division Larry Thompson ran away with first place again, a repeat performance from when he won the Anchor Glass/Rolling Rock (see coverage) race back in late May. He crossed the finish line in 17:38 seconds. According to Thompson it was a very hard hilly course and the competition pressed him throughout the entire race. Coming in second place in a time of 18:02 was Andrew Place of Waynesboro. Following Place and finishing thired was Adam Shinsky (18:16) of Uniontown.

Honest, we're staying out of trouble...

On the women's side finishing first and 26th overall was Michol Monaghan in a time of 21:24. Last year's third place finisher thought that this course was very hilly throughout the second mile however the downhill finish to end the race was great. Coming in second and chasing Monaghan the whole way was Gretchen Wood of Uniontown who finished in a time of 21:43. Danielle Rhodes of Scottdale finished in a time of 21:57 to capture third place overall.

In the walking division Steve Bence of Penn Hills captured first overall in a time of 26:36. On the women's side Jamie Brooks ran away (oops, walked away) with first place in a time of 29:39.

The race organizers would like to thank all these fine sponsors who made the race possible: Highland Hospital, Bud Murphy's Sports Bar for the post race party, Richard Grimaldi, Wendy's, Eddies Tavern, Harmon House, Jay E. Cunningham, Scott Family Dentistry, Doctor Mary Beth Krafty, Dr. Paul Means & Dr. Tiffany Pluto, Highland Hospital Auxiliary, American Federation Employees, Allen Excavating, W B P Radiology, Peoples Equity Mortgage, Siemens, Mid-Atlantic Unified Health Systems, Dr. James Lawrence, NCO Financial Systems, OPEN MRI, Nela & Electrolyte Associates, Fayette Striders, Dr. C. Rao Punukollu, Flynn's Tavern, Crystal Concepts, and State Theater.