Independence 5K Run & 1.5 Mile Walk

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The Independence Day run begins.

Saturday, July 4, 1998 -- Keyser
Independence 5K Run & 1.5 Mile Walk

Camaraderie, friendship, competition and a nice morning run. What better way to start the 4th of July celebration in Keyser, WV. 60 runners and 8 walkers turned out to start their holiday with a little exercise at the 8th annual Independence 5K Run & 1.5 Mile Walk just prior to the beginning of the afternoon and evening picnics and fireworks.

Jeff DeLauter
1st Place Overall

The rain held off until well after the racers completed running and the sun shone down, creating a beautiful, although humid, morning for the run. The shade and the cool, calming air rising from the New Creek served to cool the runners a bit, but the heat was on as the runners approached the 1 mile mark, still tightly packed with many running under 6 minute miles their first mile!

Maureen Hall
1st Female Overall

Jeff Delauter, age 37 from Hagerstown, MD, lead the other racers out and over the flat out-and-back course along the banks of the New Creek. Jeff held his lead with a pace time of 5:15 and overall finish time of 16:16 for the overall first place position in the race. Jeff was closely followed by Bret Mower who finished 2nd overall with a time of 16:30.

1st Place 01-14 Male
Thomas Wise

Leading for the ladies at the one mile mark and finish was Maureen Hall, age 33, haling from LaVale, MD. Maureen completed the race in 15th place overall, with a time of 19:17 (6:13 pace). Second place for the women went to 36 year-old Lynn Bridges from Cumberland, MD.

Out for a brisk morning walk!

Following the race refreshments were available under an appropriately decorated picnic shelter and an awards ceremony was held. All walkers received a certificate of achievement. Runners in the awards list received attractive plaques. A random drawing of 2 complimentary entries into The Great Allegany Run were awarded to Jason Bell and Eric Ray.

The Independence 5K is sponsored by the Queen City Striders Running Club and the Kiwanis Breakfast Club. All proceeds from this event will benefit community projects. The race coordinators hope to see more West Virginia entrants in the future as this event continues to grow.