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Thursday, June 14, 2007 -- Connellsville, PA
Francis Bud Murphy Memorial 5K (iPO Event Id#: 10145)

2007: [Photos] [Details] [Coverage] [Overall Results] [Results by Class]

Coverage: [2000] [2001] [2002] [2003] [2004] [2005] [2006]

Photos by JR Petsko with story by Julie Black

Bud Murphy 5K-Photo by JR Petsko
Bud Murphy 5K photo by JR Petsko
"Where good friends meet for good food, good drink, and good times," may remind you of a familiar jingle, "Where everybody knows your name and they're always glad you came." Reminiscent of the famous television show Cheers, Bud Murphy's is a place of comfort.

The late Bud and wife Hazel started Bud Murphy's as a small local dairy bar over 60 years ago. Now a sports bar and restaurant, Murphy's has become one of the largest local gathering places just outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in a town called Connellsville. It's evident on the walls adorned with local legends and Super Bowl greats that this is indeed Steeler Country.

Honoring Bud and his contributions to the neighborhood, the Francis Bud Murphy Memorial 5K has been hosted by the Highlands Hospital and Bud Murphy's for years, but this year was different. The 5K drew 437 people, the largest turnout in the event's history. Great weather certainly didn't hurt. In the 70s, it felt cool.

Jeff Palya-Photo by JR Petsko
Jeff Palya photo by JR Petsko
Jeff Palya of Hopwood, PA had not run Bud's since 2003. He was busy, defeating a serious illness that almost killed him two years ago.

According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Palya suffered from a birth defect that wasn't found until he was 16. He had to have major surgery to correct it. Missing the entire Laurel Highlands cross-country season that year, his return to running was gradual. Palya's first mile attempt that October was his toughest, taking 15-minutes to finish.

Making up for lost time on Thursday, June 14th, Jeff Palya finished first overall at the Bud Murphy's 5K with a time of 16:56. Hoping to run at Slippery Rock University in the near future, it was great a addition to Palya's running resume, and a testament to his amazing character.

Connellsville graduate Wade Schnorr finished second with a time of 17:03 and another former Laurel Highlands track star, Ben Shinsky, claimed third in 17:16.

Bud Murphy 5K-Photo by JR Petsko
Bud Murphy 5K photo by JR Petsko
Jenny Kooser of Mill Run, PA claimed the womens top spot with her second showing at Buds with a time of 19:55. Second was Julia Lipniskas (20:31) who seems to finish in the womens top three at Bud's whenever she runs it. Jordyn Hartsek (21:72) rounded out the women's top finishers in third.

Connellsville local, Jamie Brooks, continued her reign of race walking wins at Buds and the PA area, winning the women's walk in 29:38. Top male walker, Frank Mulich, finished first overall in 25:35.

Over $500 in prizes plus a $200 cash prize was awarded at the infamous Post-Race Celebration held at, where else, Bud Murphy's Sports Bar and Restaurant. Free beverages were served to participants and fun was had by all.

If you're ever up Connellsville way, stop in Bud Murphy's. Located off of Route 119 Bud's is best known for their delicious pizza and numerous photos, trophies, and awards dating back many generations.