Thursday, June 12, 2003 -- Connellsville, PA
Francis Bud Murphy Memorial 5K (iPO Event Id#: 5679)
Story by Heather Bury with 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] [Set 10] [Set 11] [Set 12]
[2000 Event Coverage] [2001 Event Coverage] [2002 Event Results]

The lead pack forms early

It was fifty minutes into the race before the rain came, and while it came down in buckets, it only lasted a short while. Most folks seemed to enjoy the cooling off and by the time the ambulance brought up the final racers, the sun was working its way back out. It seems you just can't put a damper on the celebration that is the annual Bud Murphy's 5K.

It was sixteen year old Kenny King who made sure he was going to make it in before the storms came. He covered the course in a swift 17:07 to take home first place. Adam Shinsky chased King for the entire race, but could only muster a 17:16, but good enough for second place. Another sixteen year old in Patrick Reagan took third clocking in at 17:28.

A big kick for the finish

In the women's race, Heather Bury of Morgantown coasted in as the winner with a time of 18:39. Chestnut Ridge's Jennifer Locke ran a 20:18 for second place. Rounding out the top three was Shannon Kovach of Connellsville with a time of 21:03.

The men's race walk proved to be very competitive once again. Bruce Kukan held off the charges of Randy Davis and Thomas Starkey for the win in 28:39. Davis took second with a time of 28:45, and Starkey rounded out the top three with a time of 29:02.

A little rain can't stop the fun

Connellsville's Jamie Brooks notched another win with a time of 30:50. Kathy Paes took second with a time of 33:10, and third was Natalie Miller in 34:50.

The rain didn't dampen the spirit of the awards ceremony. The racers replenished themselves with pizza, hot dogs, and cake at Highland's Hospital before heading over to Bud Murphy's for more celebrating. Along with many random prizes, one lucky doctor won the $200 cash prize drawing. Drinks were on her at Bud Murphy's!