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Saturday, August 25, 2007 -- Saint Albans, WV / St. Albans Fire Department
Homeland Security 5K Run/3K Walk (iPO Event Id#: 10204)

2007: [Photos] [Details] [Coverage] [Overall Results] [Awards]
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Showing Support for the 35th Civil Support Team

Homeland Security 5K photo by George Gannon
Homeland Security 5K Run photo by George Gannon
Story and photos by George Gannon

It was nice and hot for the 2007 Homeland Security 5K Run in St. Albans, West Virginia. The temperatures nudge into the 90s on Saturday morning and their wasn't much in the way of cloud cover, but it was the flaming red hair of Mandi Musick that scorched the city's main drag.

Musick, a runner from Ashland, Ky., was the first female finisher (20:19) and took sixth place overall.

"I like this course," said the 19-year-old Musick "It's flat and easy."

Musick got out fast and never looked back, staying in front of the pack for most of the race. She was followed to the finish line by Brittany Petty (23:21) and Cathy Hill (23:39).

Homeland Security 5K Run photo by George Gannon
Homeland Security 5K photo by George Gannon
For the men, David McCollam took to the top spot. The 28-year-old Charleston native and Philippi resident managed to fend off a strong pack of runners.

Despite the heat getting to him "a little bit," McCollam was able to recover from last weekend's Parkersburg half-marathon.

His time of 16:42 might not have been ideal (he ran the same course two weeks and finished 30 seconds faster), but McCollam said he was happy with his time.

Coming in second was Larry Taylor of Fayetteville (17:21). Rounding out the top three was Mike Bailey (18:53).

The race benefits Family Readiness Group of the West Virginia National Guard's 35th Civil Support Team (Weapons of Mass Destruction).