Monday, September 7, 1998 -- Paden City
Paden City Labor Day 5K

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The weather was perfect for Diana Thompson to practice drinking while running

While Labor Day brought a little rest and relaxation for some, many others didn't take time to rest. On Monday, September, 7, these others were seen, instead, taking to the streets of Paden City to compete for the championship titles of the annual Paden City 5K. As Mother Nature brought a close to summer with cool temperatures and a stormfront closing in from the west, the streets of Paden City were lined with only the most loyal of racing fans. But for the runners, the weather promised a much needed break from the August heat and humidity.

The course took the runners through the streets of Paden City. A West Virginia city stretched along the northern banks of the Ohio River, this route offered racers a relatively mild trek in and around the downtown area. But, what the course didn't offer in challenges, the weather did. Just as the entrants lined the start, the rain

Dave Schupbach wins the race complete with a free shower

and the wind kicked in. Onlookers watched from under their umbrellas as the runners winded their way throughout the town. Then as the race neared a close and the threatening storm broke, only the bravest of fans (and the racers) did not take shelter.

The runners in New Martinsville, West Virginia, however, must have been training for this weather. As both the 1st place male and 1st place female titles were claimed by residents of this northern panhandle city. Dave Schupbach, captured the first place title with a time of 19:16, almost a minute in front of his closest competitor, Dale Landefield at 20:13. Meanwhile Jill O'Neil took home the female championship title with a time of 22:15, two full minutes ahead of the second place female finisher, Dolores Thompson who completed the course in 24:36. The competition continued as racers vyed for the remaining titles. The 15-19 male category brought an exciting finish as Michael King and Jeremy Byers fought for this first place trophy. Michael finishing only a second ahead of the fast closing Jeremy.

After taking shelter, the victors enjoy the spoils

The rain did not dampen the runners' spirits as they came off the course with smiles on their faces -- many completing the biggest of tasks that this day of rest, Labor Day, held for them. Kudos to the many Paden City volunteers who stood the storm as well to make sure the runners were on course and well taken care of. The annual Labor Day weekend event was sponsored by the Paden City Track Team, New Martinsville McDonald's and the Paden City Eagle's. The organizers are already planning next year's event, so if you didn't skip the cookout this year, there's always the 1999 Paden City 5K to look forward to.