Saturday, April 23, 2011 -- Glen Dale, WV / Reynolds Memorial Hospital
Webark 5K Run & Walk (iPO Event Id#: 13285)

2011: [Details] [Coverage] [Photos] [Overall Results] [Results by Class]

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Big Crowds Despite Stormy Weather

Story and photos by Nathan Reckart.

Webark 5K photo by Nathan Reckart

Overcast skies and temperatures around the 60 degree mark greeted participants as they gathered in Glen Dale, WV to kick off the Easter weekend with the annual Webark 5K Run and Walk.

The Webark 5K Run and Walk, along with other events held throughout the year, benefit Webark Estates, Inc. No-Kill Animal Shelter and provide more than $10,000 annually.

The proceeds help Webark owners Pam and Morgan Lacefield care for adoptable pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and rats.

The light rain that had passed through the area in the hours leading up to the race had subsided, but the mood was somewhat subdued as everyone kept an eye on the sky, wondering if it would continue to withhold the rain.

A larger turnout than expected had the event volunteers working overtime as they rushed to register participants. Runners anxiously waited as the start time was pushed back a bit to handle the large turnout.

Just before the start gun sounded, a light sprinkle began to fall and would remain for much of the race.

Webark 5K photo by Nathan Reckart

Sam Foster, from nearby Wheeling, had a commanding lead as he finished in the top overall spot in 16:25. Corey Leasure followed in 17:18 and Joey DePalma rounded out the top three in 17:48.

The women's race was a close one as Chrissy Lewis and Jennifer Preteroti battled it out down the stretch. Lewis edged out a 4 second gap to take her fifth consecutive women's overall title in 18:53. Preteroti finished in 18:57 and Kristina Tomlan took the third women's overall spot in 21:17.

Carl Kondrach of Barnesville Ohio claimed the first overall walker spot for the second year in a row with his time of 28:07. Wheeling resident, Annette White, took the first women's overall walker spot in 32:39.

After the race, everyone enjoyed a seemingly endless supply of pizza, snacks, and beverages, sponsored by Domino's Pizza. Door prizes were given to a lucky few before the race and walk awards were handed out.

This event is part of the 2011 "Taking Strides Towards Better Health" Grand Prix Series hosted by The Health Plan and Ohio Valley Runners' & Walkers' Club. Go to https://grandprix.healthplan.org/ to view the series schedule and more information.