Monday, September 1, 2003 -- Fairmont, WV
Seth Fest 5K (CARS #12) (iPO Event Id#: 5538)
Story and photos by Heather Bury

[Details] [Coverage]
[Overall Results] [Results by Class]
Pictures: [Set 1] [Set 2] [Set 3] [Set 4] [Set 5] [Set 6]
[1999 Coverage] [2000 Coverage] [2001 Coverage] [2002 Results]

Racing for the win

Once again MCPARC has accepted responsibility for this years dynamic annual festival which has been known for great music, an incredible race, and an overall fun day. This year's festival was held at Marion County's East Marion Park, home of Fairmont's famous "Wave Pool".

Seth Fest has been a yearly event in which past and new participants can get together to enjoy a day of music, casual games, volleyball, swimming, mini-golf and each others company, all FREE. MCPARC has undertaken organization of the activities, along with assistance from The Seth Burton Memorial Foundation and various volunteers.

Along with all of the fun festivities is a 5k race in typical Seth Burton style. Seth was an avid cross country runner, and race director Sandy Provins definitely designed a course with that in mind. A mix of road and grass, the course was challenging enough to slow down some of the areas best runners.

Some friendly competition among the ladies

Jake Green and Ben Booth battled for first place. Neither could break the other, even on the killer grass hill, so in the end, it was Green winning over Booth 19:25 to 19:33. Third was another teen, Matt Finkenbinder with a time of 19:50. Showing that age doesn't have to slow you down, 45 year old Joey Herron ran for fourth in 20:06.

The first two females showed some team work, obviously running together for the win. In the end it was given to Rebecca Fulaytor over Alyssa Ruberto, 24:08.6 to 24:08.8. Jen Wilson Sober wasn't too far behind in 24:21 for third. And again, 49 year old Barbara Lagodna showing the young ones how it's done, with a time of 24:52 for fourth.

Taking in the 5K at a walking pace

The walk was just as competitive as the run, with the top two men battling to the finish. Mark Whyel over took Mike Burns in the end for the 36:06 to 36:11 win.

The women were a different story, with Mary Bates unchallenged for the win in 44:08. Second went to Margaret Whyel in 45:17.

The Kids race went off to the music of the first band of the day. For the 4-7 year olds, it was 7 year old Dakota Mouser taking the win. for the 8-11 year olds, the winner was 11 year old Joseph Vozniak.