Saturday, July 14, 2001 -- New Martinsville, WV
Tad Fitzsimmons Memorial 5K Run/Walk (iPO Event Id#: 2055)
Story and photos by Don Parks
[Details]
[Coverage]
[Overall Results]
[Results by Class]
Pictures:
[Set 1]
[Set 2]
[Set 3]
[Set 4]
[Set 5]
[Set 6]
[Set 7]
[Set 8]
[Set 9]
[2000 Coverage]
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When it came to racing it was the walkers, some of whom are quite
competitive, that turned out the largest numbers with twice the
participants as in the running event. Many were just out to pay
tribute to Tad and to join in a fun community event. The course was a
nice flat route through local streets. Still, there was a race and
someone had to be declared the winner.
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The battle for second was close as John Elliott (31:47) finished just ahead of Robby Clark (31:52) who took third place honors.
The first female walker, finishing fourth overall, was Martha
Elliott (36:45) with JoBeth Simmons (36:57) just a few
strides back in second. Rounding out the top three ladies was
Elizabeth Dean (37:29) who snuck across the line just in front
of Jeanne Barnes (37:30).
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After the teenagers captured the top two spots, it was a battle
between the 36-year-old Mitch Radella and the 40-something
Lane brothers, Don and Jack. Jack went out fast and looked
good for a podium finish, but after the race and a fifth place finish
he admitted, "I went out with people I shouldn't have." His 19:20 was
bettered by Radella (19:11) who took fourth and Don who earned third
with a 19:01. "Don was running really hard," commented Radella who
may have put up even more of a fight had he not run another race early
in the day.
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After the fastest of the runners and walkers crossed the line a continuous stream of smiling faces, some a little more exhausted than others, made their way to a cheering finish. All these folks scored victories; from Tammi Dower, a modest 28-year-old testing herself in her first race, to Terry L Bartrug III, a fun-loving 8-year-old who was born with Brachial Plexus Syndrome and just had surgery two weeks before the race to improve the limited use of his left arm. They all went home on this evening knowing that Tad Fitzsimmons would be very proud.