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Elimlim and Munanu Blitz Wheeling Course with Fast Times

By mitchpa on October 17, 2021 • ( 0 )

by Clay Shaw

Wheeling, WV, Debbie Green Memorial 5K, October 3, 2021—John Elimlim of Kenya ran by himself through the streets of Wheeling to win the Debbie Green 5K Run for a Reason in 14:23. The closest runner to him was the women’s champion Mary Munanu, also from Kenya, who ran the fantastic time of 15:54 to earn a sub-16-minute bonus.

Race Director Ron Green was forced to cancel the 2020 event and to postpone the 2021 event until October. Green said, “We’re excited to get back to doing our thing. Regardless of how things have gone, COVID doesn’t mean that kids stop getting cancer. With the help of others, our group is working to help with that. Whoever comes will get a first-class event.” Ron intends that the 2022 race will be back in its normal weekend of August 6 and 7.

Michael Quinn of Follansbee, WV was the second man in 16:27 and was the first master. Jordan Hosey of Wheeling, WV was third man in 17:05. Rylan Moore, 11, of Wheeling ran 19:57 to place sixth among the men! He really picked it up on the long, straight finish.

Daisy Kimeli of Kenya was second among women in 16:32. Esther Wanjiru also of Kenya was third woman in 16:53. Three of the top five runners overall, were women. Haley Heitz of Rayland, OH was fourth in 20:39 and was top American. Cathy Forsyth of Martins Ferry, OH was top master in 25:01 and was the eighth woman.

183 runners finished this 2021 edition, along with 195 walkers. The race was held before the rains came; your photographers only got in a 5-mile bike ride after the event, before it rained steadily.

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