Saturday, September 12, 1998 -- Summersville
Nicholas County Potato Festival 5K Run/Walk

The racers get ready to run in celebration of the Potato

[More Pictures] [Results]

As part of Summersville's annual Nicholas County Potato Festival, the 20th Annual Potato Festival 5K Run and Walk was held Saturday morning, September 12th. The participants were sent out from the County Courthouse on an out-and-back course through the residential streets of the McKees Creek Road area of Summersville. The morning was cool, but the sun was quickly rising to warm up the course.

Bob Redd and Jason Underwood battle it out to the finish

It didn't take long for Larry Taylor to move to the front, and from there he was able to dominate the race. Taylor arrived at the finish line first having covered the relatively flat course in 16:06, almost two minutes ahead of second place.

The battle for second, however, was not settled until late in the race. For the first two and a half miles, Aaron Kaylor held the second place position. But pacing himself just behind Kaylor was Doc Weiss. With just about a half mile to go, Weiss moved ahead of Kaylor and maintained a small lead to the finish for a second place time of 17:59. Kaylor followed him to the line, in third, with a time of 18:06.

(L-R) Larry Taylor, Doc Weiss and Aaron Kaylor

The women's race was also decided early as Lori Gardner cruised to a first place finish in 21:05, well ahead of the rest of the field. Once again, though, it took until late in the race to sort out second and third. Good friends, and running teammates, Jennifer Hanna and Susan Fralich raced together until the final stretch. At the finish line, it was Hanna who had the stronger kick to take second (24:11) over third place finisher Fralich (24:13).

Everyone enjoyed a great race in Summersville, and thanks go out to the many volunteers, like the Nicholas County High School Junior ROTC, that helped make the event run smoothly. A debt of gratitude is also given to the race sponsors: One Valley Bank, Krogers, and the City of Summersville.

WVOutside extends a special thanks to Frank Young who contributed considerably in providing coverage for this race.