LEWISTOWN PA’S JEFF MILER, FIRST MASTERS (15:48), FINISHES AHEAD OF YORK’S JUSTIN KREBS (15:52; SECOND 30-34). KAREN MITCHELL PHOTO

Pool, Pritz Win Historic Gettysburg Race

GETTYSBURG, PA--More than 900 athletes both young and old participated in the 18th Annual Spirit of Gettysburg 5K on July 12, 2008, at the YWCA of Gettysburg & Adams County. The race kicked off at 8 a.m., with the wheelchair division beginning just prior at 7:50 a.m. Proceeds benefit community programs for the YWCA of Gettysburg & Adams County.

Kevin Pool, 25, of Greenville, PA took first place in the 5K run with a time of 14:57. The first place female winner was Molly Pritz, 20, of Lewisburg, PA with a time of 17:22.

David Suope, 41, of New Windsor, MD came in first in the 5K Wheelchair race.

The Spirit of Gettysburg is a nationally renowned event, which includes a 5K run, 5K Wheelchair Race, One-Mile Fun Run/Fitness Walk, and Kids’ Sprints. The race is one of the only races permitted by the U.S. Department of the Interior to be held on Gettysburg National Military Park roads. Rated as one of the best historical runs in the country and USATF-certified, the course tours the first day of the famous July 1863 Battle of Gettysburg.

DAVID BERDAN (#5) LEADS THE PACK. THE REST OF THE GROUP INCLUDES JEFF MILLER (#483), JON GRIES (#907), AND EVENTUAL WINNER, KEVIN POOL (#606). CLAY SHAW PHOTO

The 18th annual event is made possible through the generous donations of its many sponsors including the Gettysburg Hospital, Historic Gettysburg Hotel, Capital Blue Cross, Gettysburg Endodontics, Adams Electric Cooperative, Adams County National Bank, Alpha Benefits Group, Beauchat & Beauchat, LLC, Tamara Brush-Campbell and Thomas Campbell, Conewago Contactor, Proline Investors, Community Benefits Real Estate, Emmitsburg Veterinary Hospital, Eicholtz Co., Hockley & O’Donnell, KPI Technology, MasterBrand Cabinets, Inc., Cleveland L. Null DDS, Riggle & Associates LLC, Tull Dental DDS, Susquehanna Bank, Ryan C. Stouch, 1320 WGET, Gettysburg Times, and in cooperation with the Gettysburg National Military Park.

In addition, the Spirit of Gettysburg receives community support from sponsors such as:

C.E. Williams Sons’
El Vista Orchards
Grannie’s Attic
FoodPro Corporation
Gettysburg College
Gettysburg Pretzel
Giant
Hollabaugh Brothers Fruit
Kellets
Kennie’s Markets
Kilwin’s Chocolate
Knouse Foods
Perkins Restaurants
Rice Fruit Company
Sandoe’s Fruit Market
Twin Springs Fruit Farm
Utz Quality Foods
Weis Markets
Dale Gallon Historical Art
Ernie’s Texas Lunch
Hillcrest Restaurant
Gettysburg Photo
The Ragged Edge
Gettysburg Frame Shop Hampton Inn
Liberty Mountain

MOLLY PRITZ, LEWISBURG, PA, WINS THE WOMEN’S RACE EASILY IN 17:21. CLAY SHAW PHOTO

Success of the Spirit of Gettysburg also depends upon hundreds of enthusiastic community volunteers and a dedicated steering committee. This year’s key volunteers included:

Race Director Tammie Brush-Campbell*
Course Director Brian Emig
Start Line Joe Pecaitis
Results Director .Mark Courtney
Race Day Registration Coordinator Deb Yocum*
Registration Data Entry Vikkie Dautel
Parking Director Bob Rhoads
Finish Line Directors Beth Weisenborn*, Tom Jackson*
Fun Run/Kids’ Run Coordinator Nancy Petrosky*
Race Day Food Christine Kellett*, Margery Donovan*
Publicity/Media Relations Alex Hayes*
Contributions. Margery Donovan*, Lisa Tully*
Runner Packets Race committee
Volunteer Coordinator Christine Hoy*
Childcare Captains Rachel Gilmore, Shannon Moore
Awards Tammie Brush-Campbell*
First Aid Coordinator Melissa Waller*
Elite Athlete Coordinator Clay Shaw

* indicates Steering Committee Member

RUNNING LEGEND STEVE SPENCE, SHIPPENSBURG, PA FINISHES AS SECOND MASTERS IN 16:08. KAREN MITCHELL PHOTO

The 19th Annual Spirit of Gettysburg has been tentatively scheduled for July 11, 2009. For additional information on the Spirit of Gettysburg, please call (717) 334-9171, or visit www.ywcagettysburg.org.