Saturday, May 26, 2001 -- Wheeling, WV
Ogden Newspapers 20K Classic (iPO Event Id#: 2591)
Story and photos by Julie Black
[Details]
[Coverage]
Results:
[O/A 1-200]
[201-400]
[401-600]
[601-831]
[O/A Walk]
By Class:
[Age 00-34]
[35-44]
[45-54]
[50-99]
[Walk by Class]
Pictures:
[Set 1]
[Set 2]
[Set 3]
[Set 4]
[Set 5]
[Set 6]
[Set 7]
[Set 8]
[Set 9]
[Set 10]
See also: [Ogden Newspapers Mile]
Past Coverage:
[2000 20K]
[2000 20K Walk]
[2000 Mile]
[1999 20K]
[1999 Mile]
[1998 20K]
[1998 Mile]
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The race was been dedicated in honor of Bill Rodgers, a Hartford, CT native with a long list of running awards and achievements. Not only has Rodgers raced in the last twenty four 20K Classics in Wheeling, but he has also been inducted to the National Distance Running and Track & Field Halls of Fame.
This year's racers were competing for a prize package worth over $30,000. Quite a few of the world's elite runners stood in front of the large pack of participants gathered at the starting line. West Virginia Governor Bob Wise even gave the starting signal, first to the walkers and then the runners.
The 20K Run
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Placing 6th overall, and the first American to finish, was Thomas Omwenga of West Chester, PA with a time of 1:02:51.
Finishing 25th overall in the run, Teresa Wanjiku who clenched 1st for the women in the 1998 Wheeling Classic 20K, also crossed the line first for the ladies in 2001 with a time of 1:11:07. This Kenyan powerhouse has had a remarkable racing history and it looks to continue. Rounding out the women's top spots are Kenya's Gladys Asiba (1:11:41) and Jackline Okemwa (1:12:56).
The first West Virginia runner to "break the tape" was Wheeling native, Ricky Moore who finished 19th overall with a time of 1:09:14.
The 20K Walk
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First place in the walk for the ladies went out to Wheeling native Katherine Campbell. Always finishing with a smile, Campbell walked the course in 2:15:12.
Honorable mention goes out to McMechen's own, George Macek, who after two knee surgeries, still came out to strut his stuff in the Ogden Newspapers 20K Walk.
Special Thanks: Goes out to Mark S. Courtney of The Runner's High for the fantastic work with the race results.