5th 5K TO BENEFIT LITERACY VOLUNTEERS,

PORTLAND, ME

June 29 1997

Don Legere beat out Mike Payson, Robert Ashby and Fox 51 sportscaster Paul Greene for the win on this flat and fast, out and back, course. Only in Maine could a 5K be held on US Rt. One! With the weather hot and humid, a pack of 7 runners stayed together through a 4:58 first mile. At the half way mark, Legere pulled away leaving Payson and Ashby running together. With 3/4 to go, Ashby said to Payson: "Lets go get Legere!" and picked it up for about 100 yards before discovering that his legs were unwilling. Payson continued the pick up alone, gaining 11 seconds on Ashby but Legere found the finish line with 10 seconds to spare. Youngest runner, Eric Johnson, 12, continues to improve, notching a quick 20:02.

Kristin Pierce (17:28)continued her strong performances, on this day relagating Christine Reaser (17:50) to second place. Always in the hunt, Gayla Underkoffler just missed ducking under 18 for the first time with an 18:04 for third.

A strong master's contingent placed the first 3 finishers in the top 12 overall. 47 year old, Ron Newberry (16:46) was 6th overall. Robert Ashley took 9th with 17:09, while Rob Craig placed 12th in 17:27, nipping Kristin Pierce at the line. Ellie Tucker (20:24) topped the Master's women.

5K Sports owner, Jim McCorkle, not only sponsored the race but also finished in an outstanding master's run of 20:10.

Men (Overall): 1.Don Legere 15:55; 2. Mike Payson 16:05; 3. Robert Ashby 16:21; 4. Paul Greene 16:34; 5. Guy Segars 16:41; 6. Ron Newbury 16:46; 7. Hugh McLean 16:54; 8. Scott Paquette 17:07; 9. Robert Ashley 17:09; 10. Rolant Thibault 17:14

Masters: 1. Ron Newbury 16:46; 2. Robert Ashley 17:09; 3. Rob Craig 17:27

Seniors: 1. Lawson Noyes 19:07; 2. Ray Shevenell 20:07; 3. Dick Stott 21:24

Veterans: 1. John Leroy 22:38; 2. Don Russell 23:14; 3. Richard Cavanaugh 23:31

12 & under: 1. Eric Johnson 20:02. 13-15:1.Chris Strout 18:27; 2. Blake Davis 19:03; 3.Kirby Davis 20:00.16-19:1.Mike Kress 17:48; 2. Keith Hinds 19:35; 3. Adam Bowden 19:47

WOMEN (Overall): 1. Kristin Pierce 17:28; 2. Christine Reaser 17:50; 3. Gayla Underkoffler 18:04; 4. Monica McDonald 20:17; 5. Ellie Tucker 20:24; 6. Julie Fitzgerald 20:30; 7. Kim White 20:45; 8. Judy Gilman 21:14; 9. Betsy Barrett 21:16; 10. Wendy Williams 21:19

Masters: 1. Ellie Tucker 20:24; 2. Judy Gilman 21:14; 3. Betsy Barrett 21:16

Seniors: 1. Sue Blaisdell 26:10; 2. Jackie Thoroughman 29:36 13-15: 1. Morgan Adams 22:46 16-19: 1. Hannah Schulz 22:46