RIVERFEST CROWNS PAST WINNERS

Art Waddle, Pam Campbell

It took a while, but Art Waddle is on his way back.

Waddle, a Poplar Bluff native, was a standout runner at Southeast Missouri State University from 1983-87.

During that time, Waddle also earned his stripes as a star in the Kohlfeld Riverfest Run, winning in 1985 and 1987 and finishing second in 1992.

Waddle is still the all-time record-holder in the Riverfest Run -- but it had been a while since he had been a factor in the race.

Until Friday, that is. Waddle, now 35, blistered the field on a muggy evening to navigate the 5.25-mile course in a time of 29 minutes 11 seconds.

Defending champion Kevin Wheeler was second in 29:56 while Perryville High School running standout Nathan Davis was third in 31:08.

"This brings back some memories," said a smiling Waddle. "It's nice to win, especially here where I went to school."

Waddle, who still lives in Poplar Bluff, said he stopped running for about six years. He's gradually worked his way back into shape and it showed Friday night.

"I've been back running for about a year now, mainly to get back in shape. It's been more for fitness than anything," he said. "I've tried to run about 60 miles a week."

Although the weather was fairly humid Friday, Waddle said the Riverfest Run conditions are usually worse.

"It's pretty hot, but it's usually worse than that here," he said.

Waddle said he lost Wheeler at about the two-mile mark and it was pretty much smooth sailing the rest of the way.

"I felt good," he said.

Not so for Campbell, the defending women's champion, although she still managed to repeat her title.

"If I could do it again, I'd go out a little slower," she said with a smile. "I want out too fast and it almost cost me."

The 40-year-old Campbell, who lives in the Centralia, Ill., area, did not even run in high school or college. She took up the sport at a later age than most but has proven to be a quick study.

"I didn't run in high school or college but I just kind of got into it," she said.

Campbell's time was 34:51. Tobie Bittle, a star Cape Central High runner who is also a soccer standout at the school, finished second in 35:30. Briget Fitzpatrick, a collegiate runner at Southern Illinois-Edwardsville, was third in 35:57.

"It's nice to defend my title," said a grinning Campbell. "I was challenged pretty good, but I was able to hold on."

Winners in the one-mile run were Mark Payne (5:08) and Jenifer Shetley (6:39).

A complete list of all the age division winners will appear in Sunday's Southeast Missourian.