Sunday, October 18, 1998 -- Morgantown
7th Annual Red Ribbon 5K Run/Walk

[Coverage/Recap w/Pics] [Pictures Set 1] [Pictures Set 2] [Results]

Emily Kuhlman(R) and Tom Senker(L) still have smiles for the final hill

Sunday afternoon is not the normal time for running races in WV, but on this weekend, runners gathered at the Mountaineer Mall in Morgantown, WV for the 7th Annual Red Ribbon 5K. The weather for the race was beautiful, probably the last warm and sunny weekend of the year. The race course started outside the Stone and Thomas entrance to the mall, circled around the parking lot, and headed down the hill towards White Park. After winding around the park and around the neighborhood of First Ward, the course headed back up the hill. Many runners were thankful that the course ended outside Sanders Floor Covering, about half way up the hill to the mall. The impact of the warm temperatures was felt, especially on the hill to the finish line.

Ed Frohnapfel finishes with a short lead over Kenny Beerbower

Crossing the finish line before any other was Ed Frohnapfel, with a time of 16:14, followed closely by Kenny Beerbower (16:20). Coming in third place was E.J. Linger (16:55), who was slowed by a bout of over-hydration that was self-inflicted the night before.

The fastest female of the afternoon was Erin O'Reilly, who finished well ahead of her competition, in a time of 19:05. The battle for the second place female came down to a duel between Angie Gariowich and Julie Warner. At the line it was Gariowich (20:23) taking second just ahead of Warner (20:28) in third.

The Mountaineer Challenge Academy gets started on their version of a 5K race

For those who had trouble keeping a steady pace, all they had to do was run close to the company from the Mountaineer Challenge Academy. The group allowed the other racers to begin before they started the race in rank and file. They then proceeded to run the entire course in formation while a constant cadence was being called out. Once finished, the enthusiastic group helped provide encouragement to other racers as they neared the finish line.

The Goodwin boys, Jon, John, and Charles (L-R), enjoyed a Red Ribbon day

A moment of silence was held during the awards ceremony to honor Seth Burton, a high school crosscountry runner who died in a tragic accident recently, and in who's name the race was run. The race capped off a week of activities held to promote substance abuse awareness. Prizes for a random raffle held during the awards ceremony were donated by Mountaineer Mall merchants and others while post race snacks for the runners were donated by Pizza Hut, Wings 'Ole and Giant Eagle (veggies). The race was supported by many volunteers who donated their Sunday afternoons to make it a success. As always, racers should take time out to thank those who volunteer and please patronize the race sponsors.