Saturday, August 11, 2001 -- St. Albans, WV
Thomas Memorial Hospital Run & Walk for Health (iPO Event Id#: 2862)
Story and photos by Ariana Kincaid

[Details] [Coverage]
[Overall Results] [Results by Class]
Pictures: [Set 1] [Set 2] [Set 3] [Set 4] [Set 5] [Set 6]
[1999 Coverage] [2000 Coverage]

Strrrrrrrretch those hamstrings

The dog days of August descended upon Saint Albans with a vengeance just in time for the 20th Annual Thomas Memorial Hospital 5k Run and Walk for Health. The day threatened rain early on, but failed to deliver anything more than heat and suffocating humidity for the 170 walkers and runners that finished. Winners received glass mugs with the Thomas Memorial Hospital logo, and everyone who stayed for the awards ceremony was eligible for door prizes.

In spite of the weather, Ben Redman led the field with a time of 15:28. Redman is in his second year coaching the cross-country team at Saint Albans High School; one of his team members, Ben Lukowski, a rising senior at SAHS, finished second with a time of 15:43. Hot on Lukowski's heels was Kevin Williams, finishing third at 15:50.

A fine day for a nice brisk walk

The distinctive purple singlets of the Kenyon College women's cross country team made an impact at Saturday's race, with two of the four Kenyon College crew finishing in the women's top three. Katherine Kapo finished first with a time of 19:38, edging out familiar Fayetteville powerhouse Jessica Taylor, who finished at 19:40. Sara Vyzostek, also from Kenyon College, celebrated her 21st birthday with a third place finish at 21:15. (She assured iPlayOutside.com that her mug will be put to good use this evening!)

According to Redman, today's weather conditions were tough for the runners. "I was pretty much by myself after two miles, and it was hard to push through that last mile," he said when asked how the humidity affected him. Redman has been in training for a half-marathon next week, and felt good about his performance. Kapo indicated that the race was fun and hot, and that the team showed up to gear up for their cross-country season.

Glenn Baldwin races to the finish with his wife Robin

Connie Risner came in as the first woman finisher for the 5k walk, and Joyce Payne, and Eva Delise rounded out the top three. Taylor Humphrey was the first male finisher, followed by Charlie McLane. Dellard Stark came in third for the men in the walk; he was also the day's oldest competitor, at age 71!

Many thanks to Pat Board, JoAnna Isaacs, the City of Saint Albans Police and Fire Departments, and Thomas Memorial Hospital for sponsoring and assisting with such a fine race!