Ricky Moore with a comfortable lead by the second water station

Friday, July 10, 1998 -- McMechen
17th Annual 5K Mickey Phipps Memorial Run

[More Pictures] [Results]

One hundred and twenty two runners and walkers turned out for the 17th annual Mickey Phipps 5K in McMechen, WV. Conditions for the race were about as good as you could ask for a mid-July evening with temperatures in the high 70's and moderate humitity. The course was, for West Virginia, relatively flat with a few minor hills although most racers would agree that the last block to the finish line seemed steeper than the rest.

Melissa Wood shows nice form on her way to women's second overall

It was apparent that Ed Tullis (3rd - 17:23), who won the Wendy's Wellsburg 5K a week before, was affected by the short layoff and was not able to keep up with Ricky Moore (1st - 16:09) and Ryan Donahue (2nd - 16:37). Ricky, entering his Senior year of high school, took the lead early and never looked back with almost a 30 second lead coming into the 2 mile water station. On the women's side, Erin Frye bested the competition by more than a minute turning in a time of 19:27 followed by Melissa Wood (20:47) and Diane Melko (21:27).

Rollie Woods after walking to a win

In similar fashion to Ed Tullis, Terry Whitecotton (34:22) was not able to continue his winning ways from the Wendy's 5K walk. Finishing ahead of Terry by almost 4 minutes was Rollie Woods who blazed across the finish line at 30:47 with Michael Ferro coming in third with a time of 38:20. Winners of the other categories were James Vance (First McMechen Fireman: 33:23), George Macek (First McMechen Resident: 19:10), Chris Warsinsky (Heavyweight: 23:56). In true WV fashion, the runners and walkers were treated to the obligatory sports drink at the finish in addition to a nice cool towel.