Saturday, October 12, 2002 -- Oakland, MD
Autumn Glory 5K (iPO Event Id#: 5194)
Photos by Dave McKain

[Details] [Coverage]
[Overall Results] [Results by Class]
Pictures: [Set 1] [Set 2] [Set 3] [Set 4] [Set 5] [Set 6] [Set 7]

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The weather wasn't perfect, but not too bad for a fall race in Western Maryland. The leaves were changing and rain was sprinkling down, a good sign that the warm days of summer are gone. However, it sure didn't seem to keep the wildlife from showing their fall colors.

As the ducks quacked and paddled across Broadford Lake, the runners lined up for a 5K waddle of their own. Adding a little inspiration was the local deer that found the morning a fine opportunity for a swim. Many of the runners watched mid-stride as the deer swam across the lake. Just a fine site to see that you'll never experience unless you get outside!

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Always ready to get outside, Frostburg's Jaron Hawkins was up to the Autumn Glory 5K challenge presented by The Mountain Lake Park Lions Club. He was off the front early and coasted to an impressive win in a mere 16:34.

Maureen Hall had an equally impressive win for the women with a time of 19:42 an no ladies close behind. Hawkins and Hall each took home a nice $50 award for their strong performances.

Also bringing home a little money were second place finishers Ed Biggin (17:29) and Paula Bridges (21:21). While Biggin outdistanced his nearest pursuers, Brideges needed all she could get to hold off her rival Lynn Bridges, who finished at 21:33.

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The cash purse was not just for the runners as the first and second overall walkers, both male and female, also brought home the dough. Art Sieman (18:54) needed every stride to hold off Craig Baer (18:57) to take home the two-mile men's money. Meanwhile, finishing fourth overall, Suzanne Wilburn (19:50) and Janet Hardesty, finishing seventh overall, (22:03) grabbed the womens' money.

Even when there wasn't cash on the line, there was still plenty of great racing. How about the race between 10-year-old Chuck Upperman and 9-year-old Timothy Wieroniek? In an all out sprint to the finish it was Wieroniek edging Upperman by just a second, 22:55 top 22:56. The spirit of competition is never saved for just the first overall finishers.

And the spirit of good health and good service to the community is always another plus. The Autumn Glory 5K proceeds benefited the Sight and Hearing Impaired. Just one more reason to feel good about getting out to enjoy a fine fall morning.