Saturday, August 5, 2000 -- Hinton, WV
3rd Annual Dam Race 5K Run & Walk
Story and photos by Pam Anderson

[Details] [Coverage] [Overall Results] [5K Run Awards]
[Pic Set 1] [Pic Set 2] [Pic Set 3] [Pic Set 4]
[1998 Coverage] [1999Coverage]

Third time is a charm for Jason Wall

As the sun slowly burned the fog away, with the magnificent Bluestone Dam in Hinton making it through the Y2K scare, loomed above a group of runners and walkers out in the early morning to take on the fast flat course of the 3rd Annual Dam Race. This out and back course winds it's way down Riverside Drive giving the runners a beautiful view of the New River and than ending back at the base of the massive stone dam.

This Dam Race (had to keep with the puns of years past) was just part of the many festivities of the WV State Water Festival including the crowning of Queen Mermaid XXXVI, a grand parade and other fun and games. Also available were tours of the Bluestone Dam where you could see the workings of the Dam from inside. The 51 year old Bluestone Dam, which controls the water flow of the New River, is scheduled for a huge face lift over the span of the next ten years with the cost close to 40 million dollars. (Small price for the safety of thousands!)

And they're off!

As the gun sounded, the runners took off on their scenic journey. Capturing an early lead was Jason Wall(15:52). Jason sprinted in for a first place overall male victory with a 45 second lead over second place overall winner Brian Porter(16:37). After placing second in the two previous years, Jason was finally able to conquer a personal goal while setting a personal record for the course. Also sprinting in for a third place male overall finish was Jason Pyles with a time of 17:11.

Shaving off seconds from her last year's time of 22:44 was Martha Drinkard with a time of 22:36. Martha captured the first place overall female just ahead of second place finisher Michelle Crandall(23:03). Crossing the line for a third place finish was Amy Lilly with a time of 23:28.

It's all about having fun

In the 5K walk striding his way in for a first place finish was Jerry Parrish with a time of 32:26. Also in today's list of events was a half-mile fun run for the kids. As these youngsters showed the grown-ups just how it should be done, it was 9 year-old Jessie Hensley who prevailed and completed the course first with a time of 3:49.

After the event, runners and walkers enjoyed a cool drink and relaxing afternoon watching the water flow and the fishermen. Congratulations to the Southern West Virginia Road Runners Club and to race directors Shirley Aycoth and Paul Hodges for a well planned and enjoyable race. If you missed out on this years 2000 run be sure to check it out for next year. Don't forget to bring your running shoes and a fishing pole.