Thursday, June 11, 2009 -- Connellsville, PA
Francis "Bud" Murphy Memorial 5K
[Details] [Coverage] [Photos] [Overall Results] [Results by Class]
Past Coverage: [2000] [2001] [2002] [2003] [2004] [2005] [2006] [2007] [2008]
Story and photos by Don Parks with additional photos by Heather Parks
The middle of this years race course had to be changed a little because of construction along the usual route. The change only added a few more turns and a few more hills to an already difficult course. The only consolation is that the finish is a nice long downhill stretch.
Well before the finish it was obvious that on this evening it would be
a two man race between Hopwood's Jeff Palya and Connellsville's
own Wade Schnorr. But at the finish it was a familiar story
with Palya beating out Schnorr by just a few seconds, 16:37 to 16:41.
This is the third year in a row that Palya has finished first and the
fifth year in a row that Schnorr has finished second.
In the very popular 5K walk division Monroeville's Don Slusser muscled up and down the hills for the win in 28:08. For the women it was Connellsville's Jamie Brooks (30:35) adding another first place trophy to her collection.
Finishing first or last there was an amazing abundance of refreshments waiting for everyone. The feast included hot dogs, pizza, apples, bananas, ice cream, cookies, soda, Gatorade, and, of course, water. After refueling it was time for the awards, both random and for the overall and age-group winners.
And if you still hadn't had enough it was off to Bud Murphy's Sports Bar and Restaurant for more celebration and free beverages.