Sunday, November 19, 2000 -- Greensburg, PA
19th Annual Kinderhook Mile
Story and photos by Mike McCagh

[Details] [Coverage] [Overall Results] [Results by Class] [Pic Set 1] [Pic Set 2]

180 lbs of food was collected!

It was only 34 degrees Sunday morning in Greensburg, Pa. On a cold day when most no one wants to go outside, no matter what, under any circumstances, over 150 running racers and enthusiasts threw on their cold weather gear and drove to St. Clair Park for the 19th Annual Kinderhook Mile.

It was a special race that called for a different strategy. Unlike the 5K's, or the 10K race's, this run would be a downhill fury to the finish both for glory and to keep warm. Before the race, volunteers for the Westmoreland County Food Bank were busy collecting bags of donated food. All registered runners were encouraged to bring canned goods, etc. This event, which was brought to life 19 years ago by Mike Spencer and now carried on by the WCFB, asks for donations to feed the area's hungry. When the day was over, 180 lbs. of food were collected!

The competition was tough

Meanwhile, while some jogged to get ready for the race, one group put together a hillside football game to work up a sweat before the race. Another runner commented while walking to the starting ling: "I'll just be getting warm when I cross the finish line". The runner's gathered and the women's open division was ready to run as soon as Race Director Chuck Burtyk started the race.

Then it was downhill one mile, to the front of the YMCA, where Jenny Striner, crossed the finish line first and seized the top female place with a time of 5:29. Right behind her was Kelly Swain with a finishing time of 5:30, nearly a photofinish. Marci Oblak captured third for the women's open division in 5:54 seconds.

Next, it was the men's turn. Charging down hill, in more of a sprint than a gentle pace, the pack advanced the finish. Greensburg's own Pat McGuire lead to the finish in 4:15 seconds. Mike Bridge won second overall with a time of 4:40 and Charlie Weaver placed third at 4:48.

A Family Fun Run followed the men's division with close to 40 moms, dads, brothers and sisters walking briskly to the finish. The Westmoreland County Food Bank (800-462-2080) would like to thank all those who participated and helped make the holiday season better for someone special.