Saturday, December 5, 1998 -- Weston
Candle Light Run for Hospice

[Coverage/Recap w/Pics] [More Pictures] [Results]

Joey Herron ran to a first place finish on a beautiful evening

The first year for the Candle Light Run for Hospice was blessed with gorgeous weather for a late afternoon in December. The morning rain and clouds cleared for a pleasant evening of mixed clouds and sunshine with temperatures close to 60 degrees. Lewis County Park was a nice setting for the start and finish of this four-mile, out and back, race on country roads just outside the town of Weston. There were a few hills (it is West Virginia!), but a course that was complimented by those who participated.

Justin Stanton, the youngest competitor at 10-years-old, sprints for the finish

When it came down to the racing, Joey Herron proved to be the fastest man in the group. Herron crossed the finish after just 24:08, almost a minute ahead of the rest of the field. Left to battle for second was Joe Leroy, racing for Leroy Insurance, Inc., and Todd Schoonover. Leroy was able to hold off Schoonover to take the second place honors with a time of 25:00, just seconds ahead of Schoonover who finished at 25:07.

Another Schoonover, Rebecca, Todd's wife, had a good evening. She easily ran to first overall female honors with a time of 27:29. Jamie Riggs (35:00) and Teresa Ray (36:44) were the second and third overall female finishers, respectively.

First female, Rebecca Schoonover, with Miss Snowflake, Jennifer Bennett(L), and Jr. Miss Snowflake, Amanda Smith(R)

The walking champion was Sharon Hiner-Franklin, she raced uncontested for two miles. There were plenty more winners for the day as everyone who participated was helping out a great cause, Lewis County Hospice Care, Inc. This is a non-profit organization serving terminally-ill patients.

Many thanks go out to race organizer Vicki Kerrigan, all the wonderful volunteers, and the area sponsors who provided door prizes, awards and refreshments.