Saturday, August 1, 2009 -- Wheeling, WV / Heritage Port Park, 12th and Water Street, Wheeling, WV 26003
Debbie Green Memorial 5K Run/Walk for Leukemia (iPO Event Id#: 11926)

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All Time High for Debbie Green Race

Story and photos by Julie Black

The Debbie Green Memorial 5K Run and Walk for Leukemia (www.debbiegreen5k.com) saw it's 12th year and it's highest turn-out yet. Race Director, Ron Green, expected the fastest times as well.

Professional runners lined the downtown streets of Wheeling, West Virginia. Among them; Megan Metcalfe (ran for gold in the 2007 Pan American Games), Demesse Tefera (personal best (PB): ran a 28:31 10K in N.Y.C. - 2007), Daniel Kipkoech ( PB: 58:49 20K in Amsterdam + 2005), Buzvnesh Deba, and many more.

Daniel Kipkoech and Demesse Tefera lead the pack at mile 2. Looking for a sub-14 minute time, Tefera pushed ahead. The hard course and humid air got the best of him, but he still crossed for first with a time of 14 minutes, 20 seconds, earning him the top dollar cash prize.

Daniel Kipkoech followed 5 seconds behind Tefera in second, with Fikadv Lemma (14:32) claiming 3rd.

Buzvnesh Deba ran the fastest women's time of the day and the fastest 5K time in the state of WV. Deba's time of 15:58 gave her an 8th overall finish.

Morgantown, WV's Megan Metcalfe, appears to be getting stronger with every race. Metcalfe, a former West Virginia University track star, kicked it in as the 2nd overall female with a time of 16:08. Edna Kiplagat finished 3rd (16:20).

"This race just gets bigger and better every year." said a local runner.

The event raises money for recipients, aiding in their fight against Leukemia.

Race numbers are always retired before the 5K begins, to honor outstanding individuals, and inspire others. Co-race directors, George Macek and Terry Whitecotton were beside themselves when they received their awards.

"I know the top times can be faster." said Ron Green. "I changed the course hoping to see a sub-14 minute run. These runners ran tough, but more prize money next year will open up the field more. I hope to get that and we'll see even faster times in 2010."