Fourth Annual Key West / Half Shell 1/2 Marathon, January 27, 2002, 7:00 AM

The Fourth Annual Half Shell 1/2 Marathon was a great success with over 460 runners at the start line 7 AM Sunday January 27. Runners from 37 states 2 countries and all over Florida enjoyed the hospitality of over 120 volunteers handing out water at 8 different stations, on this warm and humid winter day.

Tim Knowlton, from Pompano Beach took a early lead and went on to win the race in a time of 1:17:32. Knowlton and fourth place finisher Seth Coblentz, passed last years winner Paul Mamaro in mile 2. Knowlton held his pace and extended his lead to almost 3 minutes at the finish with Mamaro finishing second in 1:20:16, Harry Johnson, of Bozeman Montana third, 1:20:35. Johnson also first Masters winner gave up that title to hold third overall giving the first Masters title to Brian Hargiss, 1:24:13 of Branson Missouri and second masters went to Tim Hackett, 1:25:32 of Solon Ohio.

Woman's winner Jaime Artzner, 1:29:28, of Coral Gables, finished well ahead of second place finisher Dawn Prokop, 1:32:15, from Long Lake, Minnesota. Third female in was Edith Gerards, 1:32:47 of the Netherlands. Maria Augustine, 1:35:45, from Ft. Lauderdale won the overall Woman's Masters title with Ann Conlin, 1:36:53, second Masters female.

A moderate headwind and early start made the first 6 miles reasonable, then as the sun rose and the runners turned down wind on the north side of the island the temperatures rose enabling the runners to really appreciated the well supplied water stations of the last few miles of the race. With over 460 runners stating this was the largest 1/2 Marathon yet doubling last year finishers and proving the fact that the runners all had a good time and shared the information of this Southernmost Event with a friend or two.

Barbara Wright Promotions, coordinated the event, Key West Southernmost Runners Directed Course management and volunteers, with Sailfish Striders doing the results. As usual Sponsor Half Shell Raw Bar outdid itself with great food, tee shirts, and details such as bringing in the Steal Your Heart Band, that made the event memorable to all.

With all the Mainland and out of state talent Keys Runners had a hard time winning many age groups some notables were; Louise McGauley and Letty Nowak winning One two in the, 20-29 age group. Laure Grube, Sandy Rodriquez, and Debora Bertolini 1, 2, 3, in the, 35-39, age group. Mira Bedo, Gerda Kalb, and Ann Rawnsley, all wining their age groups. Josh Barnes won the 15-19, age group. Mirek Kucera won the 25-29, age group. Mike Ako second place in the 40-44 group. Michael Bailey second in the 45-49, group. Lou Fisher Sr., third in the 60-64 group. Richard Clements and Hans Fendl both winning their age groups. Congratulations to Harriet Kang for running in her 48th 1/2 Marathon, Harriet is looking to run in all 50 States and make a Quilt from all the Tee shirts.

Pre Race pasta dinner was great with Senior writer for Runners World, Hal Higdon as the Keynote speaker, Speaking of his latest running experiences, 7 Marathons in 7 months to raise $700,000 for 7 Charities for his 70th Birthday. For more on Hal's running experiences go to www.HalHigdon.com . The chefs Bobby K and Roof Carr, did a outstand job with food and beverages, at Saturday’s, pre race dinner and Sunday’s, post race awards party.

Special thanks to Jim Smith, who provided most of the finisher medals, with Mary Ann Nelson and Half Shell Raw Bar providing the extras above 300. Dennis Gormley Volunteer Coordinator, Ron Land Data Entry, Mike Melton and the Sailfish Striders Registration and Results. Willie Lee and Patti Crimmins, prize pick up. Exceptional thanks to the Cone Crew, Conrad Walser, Shawn, and Brice McBratnie, Pat Kersey, Don Vertreg, and Kirt Donavin Thanks to all the sponsors starting with the Nena Carr and the Half Shell Raw Bar, Spottswood Properties, Days Inn, Budweiser, Energy drink 180, Crystal water, Coke, Keys Federal Credit Union, Paradise Caf‚, Key Ambassador, Margaritaville, Fairfield Inn, Comfort Inn, Holiday Inn Beachside, Southernmost Motel, Cape Air, US Air, Continental Connection, La Concha Crown Plaza, Sebago, and the Steal your Heart Band. Thanks to all the volunteers and runners that made this event possible, we are looking forward to seeing you all next year

- - - > ----> 2002 Half Marathon Race Results at ResultSafe: Male / Female ***

2001 Results at TriFind: Male / Female 
2000 Results at: TriFind
1999 Results: not available ??? - first annual