Friday, August 1, 2003 - Saturday, August 2, 2003 -- Wheeling, WV
Debbie Green Memorial 5K Run & Walk & Green Mile (iPO Event Id#: 5269) Story and photos by Erin O'Reilly

[Details] [Coverage]
Results: [5K Run Overall] [5K Run by Class] [5K Walk Overall] [5K Walk 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] [Set 13] [Set 14] [Set 15] [Set 16] [Set 17] [Set 18]
Past Coverage [1998] [1999] [2000] [2001] [2002]
For more pics & results, see DebbieGreen5K.com

Taking to the streets of Wheeling in 2003

The 6th Annual Debbie Green Memorial 5K Run and Walk was held on August 2, 2003 at 7:00 PM. The city of Wheeling gladly hosted the event as it was moved from the original location in Benwood.

The race supports a worthy cause and all proceeds go to help young patients who have Leukemia in the memory of Debbie Green. Ron Green, brother of Debbie, served as race director and is helped by many family and friends.

Wheeling's streets were lined with 438 runners for the evening start. In the end, first place overall for the men went to Mike Cox from Princeton, WV, a high school standout in cross country and track. Mike is now the Cross Country and Track Coach at Concord College. He is training to qualify for the Olympic Trials in the marathon.

Enjoying an evening run

Mike took the lead early and never looked back winning with a time of 14:27. In second place and from Belmont, Ohio was Matt Abel with a time of 15:54. Rounding out the top three was Eric Shafer of Pittsburgh, PA with a time of 16:21.

For the women, Tara Struyk of Edmonton, Alberta was first with a time of 17:40. She is a standout runner for West Virginia University. Last year she went to Nationals in the 10,000 meter and 5,000 meter races. This summer, she has been running 100 miles a week in preparation for the WVU cross country season.

Mike Cox on his way to a win

Second place for the women was Aimee Vavrek of Bellaire, Ohio with a time of 19:36. Finishing in third place was Carmen Blisset of Beaver Creek, Ohio with a time of 20:08.

In the walk, finishing first for the men and second overall was local Wheeling racer Dave Hoskins with a time of 29:31. Coming in 30 seconds behind with a time of 29:51 was John Yoker of Barton, Ohio. And rounding out the top three was Jerry Goodwin with a time of 30:08.

For the women, first place went to Bobbi Jo Chapmen of Charleston, West Virginia with a time of 24:56. Wow! What a great time, good enough first first overall in the entire 5K Walk.

A sprint to the finish

Second place for the ladies, and fourth overall, went to Barb Kornbau of Wellsville with a time of 30:01. Finishing third place was Kathy Ervin from Quaker City, Ohio with a time of 31:45.

For the youngsters that wanted to participate there was a Debbie Dash (100 yards) for the kids 9 years old and under just before the 5K for the big kids. After all, this race really is for the kids, and those that need everyone's support the most. Thanks to all the runners, walkers, and volunteers for your support to make this a truly great event!