Hancock, Tucker Have Winged Shoes BY GEORGE A. HANCOCK JOHNSTOWN, PA--The Wings of Hope 5K run and walk was held Saturday morning April 26, 2008. This new race was developed by local runners Tina Honkus and Nancy Livingston. The race was also part of the scheduled Feel Great Fun event. Over two-dozen vendors were present at the Westmont Grove along with food booths and live music for this Feel Great Event. The race proceeds and all the monies raised were earmarked for cancer research specifically fighting skin and pancreatic cancer. The 5K events began and finished at the Westmont Borough Grove complex. Westmont is located in suburban Johnstown. The out-and-back road course featured pleasant tree-lined residential streets. Volunteer course marshals monitored key intersections slowing traffic and directing the race field. The route was very runner friendly. Dave and Tim Mapes served as the race timers and manned the finish line. Cold beverages, cookies, and pastries awaited the road competitors near the finish line. The starting-line temperature was 58 degrees beneath mostly sunny skies. However, local forecasters were predicting rain for later that morning. Forty-one runners were present along with 30 walkers. George A. Hancock won the 5K race in 21:15. Hancock, 55, led the event from about 100 yards into the race and was never challenged during the run. Hancock, a Senior Writer with the Runner’s Gazette, earned his first road-race victory in a road-running career that spans 35 years. Hancock commented after the race that being the frontrunner is nerve-wracking since you do not know what is going on behind you. Hancock had placed second several times during his running career but this was his first win. Steve Tucker and Jim Devine raced each other to the finish line. Both runners finished in 21:25, but Tucker placed second with his last-minute lunge at the finish-line clock.
Kylie Boyer placed a distant second in 23:02. William Obert, 60, won the 5K walk in 33:38. His wife Sherry, 52, was the first female 5K walk finisher in 34:16. Awards were presented to the overall winners along with the top finishers in the various age groups. The forecast rains came as the last of the 5K walkers was nearing the finish line. Following the race, the 5K athletes milled around the Grove examining the products, services, and skills demonstrated by the Feel Great Vendors. Rosie and Jammers provided live music and many purchased tickets for the huge theme-basket raffle giveaway. Tina Honkus and her race committee were pleased with the race turnout. The committee plans to make this race a yearly event using the same course. From Tina: Here is why we did it:
MALE Overall 1. George A. Hancock 21:15 14 and Under 1. Ben Mostoller 27:08 15-19 1. Korey Boyer 21:32 20-29 1. Russell Custer 22:49 30-39 1. Frank Grandas 23:14 40-44 1. Jeff Grandas 21:55 45-49 50-54 1. Steve Tucker 21:25 55-59 1. Ron Wissinger 30:49 60 and Over 1. Keith Neff 22:01 FEMALE Overall 1. Amy Tucker 21:26 14 and Under 1. Karlynn Boyer 40:30 15-19 1. Kylie Boyer 23:02 20-29 1. Kristine Honkus 27:31 30-39 1. Somer Haight 23:56 40-44 1. Mary Beth Lintz 26:23 45-49 1. Kathleen Moon 28:14 50-59 1. Mary Ann Yuhas 26:14
|
