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Thursday, June 11, 2009 -- Connellsville, PA
Francis "Bud" Murphy Memorial 5K (iPO Event Id#: 12043)

[Details] [Coverage] [Photos] [Overall Results] [Results by Class]

Past Coverage: [2000] [2001] [2002] [2003] [2004] [2005] [2006] [2007] [2008]

Story and photos by Don Parks with additional photos by Heather Parks

Photo by Don Parks
Getting the whole crew out for Bud Murphy's
The threat of rain and thunderstorms loomed over Connellsville as the start of the annual Francis "Bud" Murphy 5K was approaching. Nonetheless, a record turnout of over 500 runners and walkers descended on Highlands Hospital to take on the challenge of the hilly course. Everyone was delighted, especially race director Patty Porter, that the rains never came.

The middle of this years race course had to be changed a little because of construction along the usual route. The change only added a few more turns and a few more hills to an already difficult course. The only consolation is that the finish is a nice long downhill stretch.

Well before the finish it was obvious that on this evening it would be a two man race between Hopwood's Jeff Palya and Connellsville's own Wade Schnorr. But at the finish it was a familiar story with Palya beating out Schnorr by just a few seconds, 16:37 to 16:41. This is the third year in a row that Palya has finished first and the fifth year in a row that Schnorr has finished second.

Photo by Heather Parks
Julie Sapic on her way to 3rd overall female
On the women's side there was a new face in the crowd with Amy Minogue, a recent transplant from Philadelphia, racing in her first Bud Murphy's. Minogue was battling for the win with long time race regular Debbie Conner for most of the race. The final downhill made the difference as the 23-year-old Minogue (21:10) was able to out run the 39-year-old Conner (21:13) to the finish line.

In the very popular 5K walk division Monroeville's Don Slusser muscled up and down the hills for the win in 28:08. For the women it was Connellsville's Jamie Brooks (30:35) adding another first place trophy to her collection.

Finishing first or last there was an amazing abundance of refreshments waiting for everyone. The feast included hot dogs, pizza, apples, bananas, ice cream, cookies, soda, Gatorade, and, of course, water. After refueling it was time for the awards, both random and for the overall and age-group winners.

And if you still hadn't had enough it was off to Bud Murphy's Sports Bar and Restaurant for more celebration and free beverages.