Saturday, November 9, 2013 -- Wheeling, WV
Veterans Day 10K Run & Walk
2013:
[Details] [Coverage] [Photos] [Overall Results] [Results by Class]
[2010]
[2011]
[2012]
Story and photos by Don Parks
Wheeling's annual 10K to honor our country's military personnel and veterans just keeps getting bigger. In just its fourth year it attracted over 500 registered participants. It's all thanks to the hard work of race director Hugh Stobbs.
Stobbs is most proud of the growing crowd of veterans that make up a large percentage of the racers. And for a race that is meant to celebrate their contributions to our country it is fitting that their entry fees are all waved.
Perfect weather was in store for this year's fourth running of the Veterans Day 10K. There was a bright morning sun with nice cool temperatures, but not too cold.
Running the fastest time within the "Veteran" class was 35-year-old Tim Zink (38:40) and that was good enough for 5th overall. For our women soldiers it was 47-year-old Sue Miltenberger (47:28). She also took home the second place award for the fastest female masters.
Among the civilian classes it was 23-year-old Stewart Jones (34:59) first to complete the 10K distance. He wrapped up an All-American collegiate career at Wheeling Jesuit University in 2012. However, 31-year-old Ben Bolock chased him all the way to the finish with a second place time of 35:16.
Among the ladies it was 51-year-old Sherri Martin (42:02) taking overall honors. Second place went to 37-year-old Christine Lewis (43:43).
For those going the walking route it was 45-year-old Gary Bennet (53:35) and 35-year-old Erica Herman (58:28) taking home the men's and women's titles, respectively.
And let's not forget 70-year-old George Jackson (49:39) who raced to top honors in the wheelchair division.
Following all the racing it's on to the WesBanco Arena for everyone. This year's banquet included distinguished guest and Wheeling Native, SGT. Maj. Lee D. Bonar Jr. He has earned the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Valor and Combat Action, Presidential Unit Citation and NATO Medal-ISAF Afghanistan.
Of course all the usual banquet refreshments were served along with the awards ceremony. But most importantly, all the support for this year's event will surely send many more thousands in funds to Paralyzed Veterans of America. Everyone who raced can thank themselves for that.
