BEN KAPSOIYA, WINNER OF THE 1999 I.O. SILVER 5K IN 14:10. KAREN MITCHELL PHOTO

Records Fall at I.O. Silver Capitol 5000;
American Record Set

BY MIKE BRESSI

HARRISBURG, PA--After the dust settled, one American record and two course records were broken at this year's Capitol 5000 held June 12. In the Silver Classic, Doug Bell of Greeley, Colorado set an American record for 48 year olds, running the 5K course in 15:26.5 to place third in the Men's Masters Division. Finishing first in the Masters Division and sixth overall was world ranked Andre Kuznetsov of Russia, obliterating Jim Hage's old course record of 15:10 with a time of 14:29.3. Hage of Lanham, Maryland finished fourth with a time of 15:37.1.

CARL WAGNER, 1ST 50-59 IN 18:30.

The final record broken was by Women's Open champion Michelle King of Ontario, Canada who led throughout the race and finished with a time of 16:14.5 followed by Kate Fonshell of Ardmore, Pennsylvania. Both women were under last year's course record of 16:37 set by Senoria Clarke of Chevy Chase, Maryland.

The top female Masters was Lee DiPietro of Ruxton, Maryland running a time of 17:38.7.

In the Men's Open race, Ben Kapsoiya of Kenya, out kicked fellow countrymen Julius Gwako and Joseph Kariuki with a time of 14:10.5, just missing last year's course record. First American finisher was Michael Mykytok of Ramsey, New Jersey finishing 15 seconds behind Kapsoiya in fifth place.

A point of interest is that nine male Masters runners ran 16:05 or better, with two under 15:00.

HEATHER PARSONS TAKES FIRST IN THE CITIZENS 5K AT I.O. SILVER. KAREN MITCHELL PHOTO

In the Silver Peoples 5K, Blaine Williams of Wellsville, ran a 16:21 to win the Mayor's Trophy, followed by Bill Maloney of Shiremanstown. Outclassing the female field was York's Heather Parsons with a time of 19:57.

Again this year, one of the best races of the day was the 1/3 Mile Kids Run (8 and under). Many of the children were getting their faces painted as they patiently waited for the start of their run. Michael Jones of Harrisburg led the group, outclassing Jeff Folley of Hershey. We were later told Michael worked very hard to get ready for this race. It was great seeing the children beaming after they crossed the finish line and a finisher's medal was placed around their neck.

LEE DIPIETRO OF RUXTON, MD, 1ST FEMALE MASTERS AND 7TH OVERALL IN 17:38. CLAY SHAW PHOTO

The One-Mile Fun Run/Walk got a little competitive when everyone was told, at the start of the run, the first three finishers would receive a trophy. Derek Bressi had a strong finish running a 6:08 to finish ahead of the field.

Because the 5K course crossed the finish line three times, it is a great spectator course. After the first race, everyone was treated to a race of 52 elite runners vying for $8000 in prize money which included premium money for lead runners at the halfway point.

There was plenty of food, drinks, and fun for everyone. An Oompah Band from Hersheypark played as runners went by and face painters painted the faces of young and old alike.

NEVER TOO TIRED TO POSE: THESE RUNNERS SMILE AFTER FINISHING THE I.O. SILVER CAPITOL 5000. CLAY SHAW PHOTO

This year's I.O. Silver Capitol 5000 again was a huge success in large part to Larry Silver, the sponsors, and the many volunteers associated with the race. The first three years of the race have raised $125,000 for cardiovascular care in Central Pennsylvania and at least another $50,000 will be contributed from this year's event to the Penn State Geisinger Cardiovascular Center at the Hershey Medical Center.

Next year's race will be June 17, 2000. Do not miss it. It promises to be a good one.

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