Thursday, June 10, 1999 -- West Union
Doddridge Co. PATCH Run 5K & 1 Mile
Story & photos by Julie Bertsch

[Coverage] [ Pic Set 1] [ Pic Set 2] [ Pic Set 3] [ Pic Set 4] [Results]

Josh Weekley's strides get him a 2nd place win

It felt more like August than June, with temperatures reaching well above 100 degrees into the evening hours. Everyone was drinking their liquids and stretching their legs with lots of pre-race jogging and sprinting. Sixty plus runners came out ready to run and sweat, trying to gain some more points for the Clarksburg Area Race Series. With twice as many runners in the race as 1998, this event proved to be one of some heavy competition and fast finishing times. Last year's 5K champion, Stephen Hiser, showed everyone that he was back to win again. Ahead of the competition by a minute, and beating his 1998 time, Hiser just seems to keep getting faster with age and experience. He finished 1st place overall with a time of 17.27!

It's hot, but we're happy!

The race for second and third was a closer battle, but Josh Weekley (18.26) held his lead for 2nd place. Andy Clump (18.44) finished 3rd, and not too far behind Weekley. Everyone was trying to beat the heat. Many runners were saying that it was hard to breathe out on the course because of the humidity, luckily, no one fell victim to heat exhaustion. Runner after runner emerged from the beautiful Rails to Trails pathway to cross the finish line. After the 5K there were lots of refreshments and volunteers helping out. Cold water and juicy watermelon was plentiful, and after a short break, it was time for the One Mile Race down on the track.

Ryan Maxwell & Nicholas Prunty are neck and neck

Ages varied from nine to seventy two, as fifteen participants lined up for the One Miler, and many of them had just run a very hot 5K through the cicada infested woods! That certainly didn't stop Stephen Hiser (5.20) from proving his skills as he took 1st place once again. WVOutside's Race Team Captain Lew McGrath proved that some things definitely get better with age. McGrath ran his fastest mile ever at 5.46, tearing up the track and passing thirteen year old Alex Weaver (5.53) in the 3rd lap to capture 2nd place.

A great time was had by all, and as the sun set over Stansbury Stadium, the temperature finally started to drop and cool off all the runners, young and old. Don't forget that the next run in the Clarksburg Area Race Series is the Burger King WVIHF 5K Run at Newpointe Plaza in Clarksburg. The course is mostly flat with a quick downhill finish so get ready to set your personal 5K best!