Bicentennial RUN – 1975 NOVEMBER 27 1975 Director: Versal Spalding
10,000 meter run at 10:30am 2 mile run at 10 am winner was Joel Fneigan in 9:41 Sponsored by the newly formed Birmingham Track Club Entry Fees: $2 PreRegistered and $3 day of race
Top Finishers: MEN: Frank Bromberg in 30:14 Mike Wilson in 30:43 Heinz Wiegand in 30:44
WOMEN: Melissa Wilson in 46:26
Highlights: 104 completed the 10K and 117 completed the 2 mile run Race Director Versal Spalding wheel measured the course, obtained sponsors and volunteers and finished 26th overall in 36:33 ! Finish results were mailed to all participants that provided contact information. Results included a post race recap in which the turnout was described as “amazing” and a “small representative of females added color to the affair”. Long time Track Club members Johnny Montgomery, Ray Giles, Rick Melanson, Gordon Seifert, Les Longshore, Arthur Black, and Ann Randle participated in this historic first race.
VULCAN RUN – 1976 NOVEMBER 20 1976 Director: Ann Randle
10,000 meter run at 10:30am 2 mile run at 10 am – won by Randy Stephens in 8:52 (Woodlawn Student in 76 – Now a PE instructor in Mountain Brook)
Title Sponsor: Birmingham News Entry fees for 10k: $3 PreRegistered and $4 day of race
Top Finishers: MEN: 1 Bill Rodgers in 28:35 (former Boston Marathon winner) 2 Ed Leddy in 29:06 (Irish Distance Runner/Olympian) 3 Marty Liquori in 29:47 (Villanova University distance star) 4 Mike Wilson – graduate student at Tuskegee 5th, 6th, and 7th were distance runners from Auburn University: Rick Musick, John Fox, and Robert McDuffie
WOMEN: Phyllis Hines in 37:11 (age 15)
Awards Presenters were 1976 Olympic athletes: Harvey Glance, Auburn University sprinter Jennifer Chandler, Auburn University diver Bill Forrester, Auburn University swimmer Clint Jackson, boxer from Evergreen
COURSE: Start at Woodrow Wilson Park – 20th Street to Highland to 2nd – loop 19th back to 20th to finish in Park Course was not certified thus Bill Rodger’s time was not considered the course record
HIGHLIGHTS: 280 finishers in the 10k and 376 in the 2 mile Race conditions were rainy and according to Bill Rodgers a ‘bit warm’ Women’s highest age division was 40+ and Men’s was 60+ Special Divisions for Mother/Daughter, Father/Son, Heaviest (women’s category only!),and Oldest
VULCAN RUN – 1977 NOVEMBER 19 1977 Director: Ann Randle
10,000 meter run at 10:30am 2 mile run at 10 am – winner for 2nd year Randy Stephens in 8:38
Title Sponsor: Birmingham News Entry Fees for 10k: $3 PreRegistered and $4 Day of Race
Course changed to accommodate increase in participants – began at Woodrow Wilson and looped 19th first then to 2nd and around Highland , straight shot finish down 20th street
Top Finishers: MEN: Bill Rodgers in 28:55 (2nd consecutive win) Terry Baker in 29:08 Ed Leddy in 29:23
WOMEN: Laura Partin in 38:48 - Age 14
HIGHLIGHTS: 627 finishers in the 10k and 513 in the 2 mile Event announcers were Tony Bruno , Voice of the Birmingham Bulls and Herb Winches, WBRC Sportscaster Mayor David Vann fired the starting gun
VULCAN RUN – 1978 NOVEMBER 18 1978 Director:
10,000 meter run at 10:30am 2 mile run at 11 am (change in time from previous years)
Title Sponsor: Birmingham News Entry Fees for 10k: $3 PreRegistered and $4 Day of Race
Top Finishers: MEN: Bill Rodgers in 28:56 (3rd consecutive win) Ed Leddy in 29:15 Chris Fox in 29:32
WOMEN: Marti Bissinger of Lansing, Michigan in 40:57
HIGHLIGHTS: 1,395 finishers in the 10k and 840 in the 2 mile Runner’s Clinic featuring George Sheehan, Medical Editor of Runner’ World was held on Friday, $2 admission for Run participants and $8 for general public. Clinic held at the BJCC. Sponsored by the Birmingham News in cooperation with UAB Special Studies and the Birmingham Track Club
VULCAN RUN – 1979 NOVEMBER 10 1979 Director: 10,000 meter run at 9 am (earlier start than previous years) 2 mile run at 10 am Title Sponsor: Birmingham News
First Vulcan Marathon was held on Sunday -making it the first official VULCAN WEEKND Full insert in Sunday Nov 4th Birmingham News complete with running related articles and merchant ads with various running or marathon specials- such as 26.2% of electronic equipment Course began at City Hall to 19th to 2nd to Highland back to straight shot finish down 20th.
Top Finishers: MEN: Bill Rodgers in 29:07 (4th consecutive win) Stephen Bolt in 29:19 Ed Leddy in 29:43
WOMEN: Susan Inglis in 36:30
HIGHLIGHTS: 1,316 finishers in the 10k Conditions described as cold and windy Timing Clock malfunctioned at 52:46; approximately 200 finishers completed the 10k after that with no official time. Mayor David Vann completed the 2 mile run Bill Giduz from Atlanta juggled 3 rubber balls while running , his t-shirt said “The Joggler” Pete Studwick of California, born without feet, ran the 10k
VULCAN RUN – 1980 NOVEMBER 1980 Director:
Title Sponsor: Birmingham News
Second Vulcan Marathon was held on Sunday. 159 runners completed the marathon
Top Finishers: MEN: Stephen Bolt in 29:13 Benji Durden in 29:15 Kyle Heffner in 29:21
WOMEN: Linda McLennan in 36:12 (University of AL Runner)
HIGHLIGHTS: 1,392 finishers in the 10k Total Income for the Weekend was $23,973 with total expenditures of $20,475. $3,734 in expenses for invited runners
VULCAN RUN – 1981 NOVEMBER 20 1981 Director: Rick Melanson Sponsor : Sonat
Top Finishers: MEN: Steve Bolt in 29:16 David Branch in 29:34 Roger Jones in 29:38
WOMEN: Linda McLennan in 33:12 Katy Schilly in 33:41 Laura Ledbetter in 35:58
HIGHLIGHTS: Sonat donated $21,000 in entry fees to the American Cancer Society 2,870 registered for the 10k representing 20 states , 2,367 finished the race Youngest runner’s age was 6 , Oldest Runner’s age was 74 – average age of 30 Race #’s assigned according to best previous 10k time – t-shirts awarded in different colors based on finishing time WERC Radio station provided live broadcast of the 10k
VULCAN RUN – 1982 NOVEMBER 20 1982 Director: Mike Kern Title Sponsor: Sonat
Start at BJCC at 9am down 18th to 2nd over to Highland back to 20th and finsh at 20th and 5th.
Top Finishers: MEN: Benji Durden in 29:09 Edward Sheehan in 29:11 John Tuttle in 29:18
WOMEN: Linda McLennon in 33:58 (2nd consecutive win) Katy Schilly in 34:24 Laura Caldwell in 35:44
HIGHLIGHTS: 3,967 registered participants in the 10k. Entry fees donated to American Cancer Society Winds gusted between 10 and 20 mph Dr. George Sheehan participated in the 10k and spoke at the BJCC theater Friday night with a question and answer session. Dr. Sheehan had participated in the 78 run and said the run had ‘great appeal’ to him. 24 men’s and 5 women’s teams participated from various track clubs, the Vulcan Run determined the Southeastern Track Club Championship. Racing South, Atlanta Track Club, Memphis Runners Track Club A, and Mountain Brook Track Club were the top club finishers. 22 corporate teams participated with South Central Bell repeating their win in 36:20
VULCAN RUN – 1983 November 19 1983 Director: Mike Kern Title Sponsor: Sonat Start at BJCC at 9am down 18th to 2nd over to Highland back to 20th and finsh at 20th and 5th.
Marathon event on Sunday had approximately 500 participants
Top Finishers: MEN: David Branch in 29:16 Martyn Brewer in 29:17 Ed Sheehan in 29:18
WOMEN: Linda McLennan in 34:28 (3rd consecutive win) Missy Kane in34:36 Kristi Voldnes in 34:55
Male Master’s: Jim Ewing in 32:06 Female Master’s : Mary Anne Wehrum in 39:46
HIGHLIGHTS: 5.000 approximate participants in the 10k. Post race party and expo at BJCC followed the race - featuring an award ceremony and video taped race highlights Broadcast on AM960 began at 8 am Saturday Birmingham News included color map of course with elevation and points of interest marked for spectators
VULCAN RUN – 1984 November 24 1984 Director: Title Sponsor: Sonat
Top Finishers: MEN: Marcos Barretto from Mexico City in 28:18 ( course record set ) Hans Koeleman from Clemson SC in 28:51 Keith Brantley from Gainesville FL in 28:54
WOMEN: Katy Schilly from Atlanta in 33:36 (2nd female previous 2 years) Sue J. King from Mobile in 33:44 Linda McLennan from Gainesville FL in 33:49 (winner in 81,82,and 83)
Male Master’s: Don Coffman in 31:26 Female Master’s : Carol Lasseter in 38:38
HIGHLIGHTS: Men’s Track Club Championship won by Clemson Track Club in 30:46 Women’s Track Club Championship won by Racing South in 36:22 Corporate Cup won by Fort McClellan in 35:53
VULCAN RUN – 1985 November 23,1985 Director: Title Sponsor: Sonat
Top Finishers: MEN: Ashley Johson Bowling Green KY in 28:56 Jeffery Wentworth Columbia SC in 28:59 Paul Donovan Tulsa OK in 29:03
WOMEN: Elizabeth Lynch Tuscaloosa AL in 32:56 Jennie Peters Baton Rouge LA in 33:00 Katy Schilly – Laetch Atlanta GA in 34:09
Male Master’s: Don Coffman in 31:41 (2nd consecutive win) Female Master’s : Carol Lasseter in 38:34 (2nd consecutive win)
HIGHLIGHTS: Approximately 4,200 participants in the 10K
VULCAN RUN – 1986 November 22 1986 Director: Red Hamilton / Lynn Brandon Title Sponsor: PEPSI/Buffalo Rock
Top Finishers: MEN: Marcos Barreto Huntsville AL in 28:22 Steve Jones Wales, UK in 28:25 Brian Abshire Auburn AL in 28:41
WOMEN: Teresa Ornduff Abingdon VA in 32:57 Lisa Weidenbach Battle Creek MI in 33:07 ( 1st female in marathon the next day with time of 2:46:37) Jennie Peters Baton Rouge LA in 33:47
Male Master’s Morgan Looney in 32:34 Female Master’s : Kathy Hardy in 38:50
HIGHLIGHTS: $40,000 raised for Children’s Hospital Race Conditions – Sunny and Cool T-shirts awarded by color depending on finishing times: Under 35 minutes : Gold Under 40 minutes: Silver Under 45 minutes: Bronze Under 50 minutes: Blue over 50 min:SURPRISE Youngest participant was 6 years old and oldest participant was 76 Local radio personalities from then I-95, Mark and Brian were the Fun Run race official starters 3,112 were registered for the 10k from 22 states and Puerto Rico Local weatherman/newscaster Mike Royer completed his first marathon – raising $12,000 for Children’s Hospital Local real estate development expert John Runnion made his Boston qualifying time in the marathon by 70 seconds – after hitting the deck twice in sight of the finish line
VULCAN RUN – 1987 November 1987 Director: Title Sponsor: PEPSI
Top Finishers: MEN: Marco Barretto Mexico City in 28:34 (3rd win in 4 years) Jesus Herrara Mexico City in 28:41 Paul Larkins Stillwater OK in 28:48
WOMEN: Margaret Groos Nashville TN in 32.57 Shelly Steely Gainesville FL in 33:25 Jill Clarke England in 33:32
Male Master’s: Frank Shorter in 30:54 Female Master’s : Bobbi Rothman in 38:09 Wheelchair: Lavern Achenbach in 29:50 Carolyn Kellen in 45:45
HIGHLIGHTS: Participants number between 2,500 and 3,000 Temperatures in high 30’s and windy at race time Start of race delayed 30 minutes due to wheelchair participants flat tire Proceeds from Vulcan weekend again benefit Children’s Hospital
VULCAN RUN – 1988 November 1988 Director: Gerry Williams Title Sponsor: PEPSI/Buffalo Rock
Top Finishers: MEN: Rafael Zepeda Mexico City in 29:03 John Tuttle Douglasville GA in 29:16 Steve Kogo Washington DC in 29:18
WOMEN: Loraine Moller Boulder CO (Seoul Olympian) in 32:49 Shelly Steely Gainesville FL in 32:57 Christine McMiken Stillwater OK in 33:02
Male Master’s: Robery Schlau in 31:23 Female Master’s : Karen MacHarg in 36:54
HIGHLIGHTS: $50,000 raised for Children’s Hospital Pepsi Vulcan Banquet held on November 17 raised $5,000 for Lakeshore Foundation and was attended by 300 people 3,500 runners competed with $15,000 in prize money 26 states represented in registrations Race Conditions: Drizzle with 84% humidity Live television coverage with then WBRC sportscaster Eli Gold and world class runner Ashley Johnson (1985 Vulcan winner) Segments of the race also broadcast via satellite on ESPN’s program ‘Running and Racing’ Pepsi Blimp provided aerial coverage School with the most participants won an Apple Computer from Connecting Point Computer Centers- winner was Southminster Day School of Vestavia Hills with 108 students or 43% of the student body Expo and pasta dinner held Friday evening before the race with entertainment by Burt and Kurt from Magic 96 Homewood High School Band performed at start of the race VULCAN RUN – 1989 November 1989 Director: CARL HOWARD Title Sponsor: PEPSI/BUFFALO ROCK
Top Finishers: MEN: Ashley Johnson Bowling Green KY in 28:47 Billy Dee Great Britain in 28:50 Muriuki Ngatia Ruston LA in 29:04
WOMEN: Linda McClennan-Begley Suffield CT in 32:43 Nicky Morris Tuscaloosa AL in 33:51 Monica O’Reilly Richmond KY in 34:24
Male Master’s: Wilson Waigwa in 30:44 Female Master’s : Nancy Mieszczak in 36:10
HIGHLIGHTS: American Airlines and local hotels offered discounts to out-of-town runners Jim Burke Buick donated a new Buick as a give away to race participants Thursday night Pepsi Vulcan Run Banquet benefiting Lakeshore Foundation Free pasta dinner compliments of Food World at the Race Expo and free post race lunch after the 10K Race conditions – chilly 40 degree air , clear and mostly sunny $50,000 raised for Children’s hospital Approximately 3,000 participants in all events
VULCAN RUN – 1990 November 1990 Director: Title Sponsor: PEPSI/BUFFALO ROCK
Top Finishers: MEN: Ashley Johnson Bowling Green KY in 29:01 John Scherer Ann Arbor MI in 29:01 Scott Fry Birmingham AL in 29:06
WOMEN: Christine Pfitzinger Wellesley MA in 32:33 (course record) Inge Schuurmann Boulder CO in 33:03 Linda Begley Suffield CT in 33:11
Male Master’s: Wilson Wiagwa in 30:18 Female Master’s : Nancy Grayson in 35:56
HIGHLIGHTS A new Buick was given away to a lucky race entrant – courtesy of Jim Burke Automotive Children’s Hospital received proceeds from the race.. Total donation during Pepsi’s 5 year sponsorship was $235,000- enabling Construction of a whole new ward at Children’s Hospital
VULCAN RUN – 1991 November 1991 Director: Title Sponsor:
Top Finishers: MEN: Richard Partridge Gainesville FL 29:16 Terry Thornton Baton Rouge LA 29:27 Benny McIntosh Lexington KY 29:36
WOMEN: Lynn Deninno St Louis MO in 33:45 Valerie Vaughan Bowiling Green KY 33:56 Ruth Partridge in 33:58
Male Master’s: Female Master’s :
HIGHLIGHTS: Weather Conditions – overcast and cool
VULCAN RUN – 1992 November 21 1992 Director: Carl Howard Title Sponsor: Birmingham News/Bryant-Jordan
Top Finishers: MEN: Jacques Van Rensburg Marietta GA in 29:11 Steve Kartalla Pendleton SC in 29:27 German Beltran Tuscaloosa AL in 29:27
WOMEN: Valerie Vaughn Bowling Green KY in 33:56 Liz Wilson Eugen OR in 34:05 Maria Trujillo San Francisco CA in 34:19
Male Master’s: Female Master’s :
HIGHLIGHTS: Approximately 3,000 finishers Race Conditions – overcast skies and cool temperatures – breezy One runner suffered broken leg from a fall at the finish – HealthSouth provided medical coverage for the event Proceeds benefited the Bryant-Jordan Foundation – providing scholarships to Alabama High School Students
VULCAN RUN – 1993 November 27, 1993 Director: Carl Howard Title Sponsor: Birmingham News/Bryant-Jordan
Top Finishers: MEN: Brian Radle Chattanooga TN in 29:23 Brian Abshire Phoenix AZ in 29:24 Scott Dvorak Raleigh NC in 29:24
WOMEN: Laura Mykytok Gainesville FL in 32:56 Monica O’Reilly Gainesville FL in 33:55 Jody Hawkins San Antonio TX in 34:05
Male Master’s : Earl Owens in 32:09 Female Master’s : Carol McLatchie in 35:38 (5th female overall)
HIGHLIGHTS: Race conditions were wet streets with cold, damp air – wind gusts of 30 mph 876 male finishers and 317 female finishers – down due to holiday weekend and weather Oldest finisher was BTC founder Dr. Arthur Black at age 72 and the youngest finisher was 11 year old Natalie Fahey
VULCAN RUN – 1994 November 1994 Director: Title Sponsor: BIRMINGHAM NEWS /BRYANT-JORDAN
Top Finishers: MEN: Eliot Barngetony Ames Iowa in 29:37 Jimmy Hearld Bowling Green KY in 29:52 Sean Wade Houston TX in 30:06
WOMEN: Laura Mykytok Raleigh NC in 33:35 Lizanne Bussieres Montreal Quebec in 33:52 Carole Rouillard Beauport Quebec in 34:16
Male Master’s: Female Master’s :
HIGHLIGHTS:
VULCAN RUN – 1995 November 11 1995 Director: Walt Graham Norman/Jane Thomas Title Sponsor:
Top Finishers: MEN: Thomas O’Gara Johnson City TN in 29:33 Scott Dvorak in 29:34 Shawn Wade in 29:52
WOMEN: Brenda Dennehy Tallahassee FL in 3423 Laura White in 35:06 Monica O’Rieley in 35:27
Male Master’s: Earl Owens in 31:57 Female Master’s : Judith Hine in 38:55
HIGHLIGHTS: 912 of the 1,150 registered completed the course Then 80 year old Wallce McRoy broke the state age record by 20 minutes
VULCAN RUN – 1996 November 9 1996 Director: Walt Graham Title Sponsor : VIVA HEALTH
Top Finishers: MEN: Eric Polonski in 28:58 Yiri Punda in 29:09 Teddy Mitchell in 29:11
WOMEN: Silvia Skvortsova in 33:25 Breeda Dennehy in 33:43 Michelle Borgert in 33:59
Male Master’s: Female Master’s :
HIGHLIGHTS: AllSport Race expo at the BJCC Greg Meyer, US Olympic Marathoner conducted seminar on marathon running 10k and 5k events offered Male and female winners received $600 in prize money 993 finishers in the 10K
VULCAN RUN – 1997 November 8 1997 Director: Norman Thomas Title Sponsor: VIVA HEALTH
Top Finishers: MEN: Scott Strand Birmingham AL in 29:44 (first Birmingham resident to win the Vulcan Run) Stewart Ellington in 29:59 Kevin Graham in 30:02
WOMEN: Silvia Skvortsova in 33:35 Natalie Nalepa in 33:45 Cathy Vasto in 33:50
Male Master’s: Thomas Mather in 31:55 Female Master’s : Victoria Crisp in 37:39
HIGHLIGHTS: Champion Chip Timing used for the first time in Vulcan Races Runner’s Expo held at Ramada Inn on Friday and Saturday 5K and 10K events 785 finishers in the 10k out of 962 registered. 12 runners claimed a $5,000 purse for setting state age records Blind Ex-Marine Don Levesque is believed to be the first blind runner to complete the Vulcan 10K
VULCAN RUN – 1998 November 7 1998 Director: Norman Thomas/Jennifer Kyle Title Sponsor: VIVA HEALTH
Top Finishers: MEN: Carmac Finnerty in 29:22 Scott Dvorak in 29:37 John Tuttle in 29:44
WOMEN: Irina Timofeeva in 33:21 Donna Garcia in 34:04 Turena Johnson Lane in 34:14
Male Master’s: John Tuttle in 29:44 Female Master’s : Victoria Crisp in 38:36
HIGHLIGHTS: Runners Expo at Ramada Inn 755 finishers out of 869 registered for the 10k 526 of the 575 registered finished the 5k course
VULCAN RUN – 1999 November 6 1999 Director: Norman Thomas/Jennifer Kyle Title Sponsor:
Top Finishers: MEN: Nicholas Cutchens in 34:57 Mark McBride in 35:23 Shaun Meyer in 35:42
WOMEN: Deanna McDonald in 38:44 Simone Maffel in 41:25 Athena Naugher in 41:40
Male Master’s: Paul Brand in 36:44 Female Master’s : Athena Naugher in 41:40
HIGHLIGHTS: Saturday night Pasta dinner with guest speaker Hal Higdon, senior writer for Runner’s World..author of many training books
VULCAN RUN – 2000 November 2000 Director: Norman Thomas/Jennifer Kyle Title Sponsor:
Top Finishers: MEN:
WOMEN:
Male Master’s: Female Master’s :
HIGHLIGHTS: 583 finishers in the 10k 285 finishers in the 5k 6 runners set stage age records and split a $5,000 purse
VULCAN RUN – 2001 November 10 2001 Director: Norman Thomas/Jennifer Kyle Title Sponsor: SUBWAY
Top Finishers: MEN: Fackson Nkandu in 31:42 Jeff Terry in 33:19 Jason Lackey in 33:29
WOMEN: Erika Van Reenen in 36:28 Melissa Hopkins in 36:31 Aytree Blalock in 38:17
Male Master’s: Peter Neuberger in 37:46 Female Master’s : Cheryl Boessow in 40:29
HIGHLIGHTS: Proceeds benefited Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Vulcan Park Foundation, and the Birmingham Track Club Then Fairfield Mayor Larry Langford served as Honorary Chairman $2,500 purse for Alabama State Age Record setters – 5 participants shared in the purse 3rd place male finisher Jason “Elvis” Lackey competed in Elvis costume Ray Lapinksi and Joy Smith from USATF participated – checking out Birmingham as the US Olympic Trials site , which was later awarded to Birmingham! 840 of 922 entrants completed the race VULCAN RUN – 2002 November 16 2002 Director: Title Sponsor: SUBWAY
Top Finishers: MEN: David Kipngetich in 30:19 Scott Strand in 30:34 Japheth Koech in 31:23
WOMEN: Zika Palmer in 36:43 Cate Fenster in 37:30 Susannah Motl in 37:54
Male Master’s: John Tuttle in 32:05 Female Master’s : Cheryl Boessow in 41:24
HIGHLIGHTS: Race conditions :48 degrees and windy – 8mph north wind 1,095 of the 1,265 registered completed the course Fit Fest in Linn Park after the race featuring Children’s Puppet Show about healthy eating as well as other organizations presting wellness information Rick and Bubba (local radio personalities) Family Fun Run held with show producer Calvin “Speedy” Wilbert participating Proceeds benefited Birmingham Track Club, Safe House Family Services, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society