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