Runners beat the heat in Arts Festrival 10K

By JOHN LUKACS
Collegian Staff Writer

Around 9:30 yesterday morning, the last of 424 runners crossed the finish line at the 20th Annual Nittany Valley Arts Festival 10K Road Race, beating the expected midday heat wave and concluding a successful outing for the Nittany Valley Track Club.

Jeff Miller of Lewistown was the overall winner, with a first-place time of 32 minutes, 12 seconds on the 6.2 mile course, a scenic run through the tree-lined streets of the University.

Arriving at the Intramural Building at 6:15 yesterday morning, club President Mark Davison and his staff of volunteers began preparations for the morning's event. With the help of The Runner's High, a road race timing and computer service, and the cooperation of Mother Nature the race began at 8:40, with 424 runners competing in 12 age categories ranging from under 15 years old to 70+.

"We really couldn't have asked for better weather," said Davison, commenting on the good weather. With only one injury from dehydration, Davison had few problems to worry about on the beautiful, sun-kissed morning.

Sponsored by University Orthopedics, the race was a giant success, so much so that the proceeds will be used to fund other track club sanctioned races such as the Jingle Bell Classic, the New Year's "Resolution Run," and the Thanksgiving "Turkey Trot."

The race attracted runners of all ages, even featuring a "Kid's Race" for younger running enthusiasts, a half-mile run coordinated by Herman Goffberg, a 1948 Olympic gold medal winner.

Starting at the Intramural Building, the 10K course wound down University Drive, past Beaver Stadium, and through the heart of campus. Mainly flat, the course was well received by most of the runners.

Mike Dooris, a State College native and past-10k veteran, finished with a time of 41:48. Dooris commented that the course was better than it used to be," and he liked the "downhill finish."

Not everyone envisioned the day's festivities as concluding this nice. Although his early outlook was bleak, Kyle Bernhardy (senior-exercise and sport science) ended up pleased with the results of yesterday's race.

"I was hoping for rain," said Bernhardy, commenting on his pre-race mood. In the end, nobody rained on Bernhardy's parade as he had a successful finish, striding past the finish line at the 32:33 mark, good for second place.

The race was also a first-time experience for many runners. Brooke Hauer (junior-education), accomplished her pre-race goal.

"I just wanted to finish in under an hour," said Hauer as she sat on the curb resting and reflecting on her first race.