Wheeling's Ricky Moore made his first big splash - literally - as a professional road racer a year ago this month when he finished second in the 29th annual Ogden Newspapers 20K Classic.

Battling a driving rain and a strong contingent of the Kenyan runners who have dominated the race almost since its inception, Moore established himself as a rising star in the road racing world with a strong second-place finish behind defending champion Julius Kibet.

It was the best finish ever by an Ohio Valley runner and the highest placing for an American racer in more than two decades over a course no less an authority than three-time champion Bill Rodgers rates as tougher than the Boston Marathon.

As the calendar counts down to this month's 30th running of the Ogden Newspapers 20K Classic - it's set for May 27 - Moore can't help but reflect on last year's race.

"Looking back," said Moore, "that race was kind of a breakthrough for me. I guess you could say it kick-started my pro career."

Moore said one of the reasons he turned pro was to find out for himself if he had what it took to compete with the elite competitors at the national and international level.

Less than 12 months after his breakthrough showing in the Ogden 20K, Moore has his answer.

Not only has he proven himself capable of competing with the national and international elite, he's become one himself.

Moore is now a member of Team Saucony, having been signed to a contract with the highly-respected global supplier of athletic footwear and apparel.

"I've always had great support from our community and people who know me," said Moore, "but when a major national company like Saucony calls and says they want to pick you up for their team, that's a great boost for your career.

"They take care of me with shoes, apparel and anything I need along those lines plus I have an incentive-based contract.

"If I run well in races, I get bonuses and they've designated certain races where they pay me an appearance fee to compete," he added.

Moore flew to Spokane, Wash. earlier this week where he's scheduled to compete in today's 30th annual Lilac Bloomsday 12K.

The prestigious event attracts more than 40,000 entries annually. Included in that number is the cream of the national and international road running crop.

There's a listing of 31 elite runners on the race's official web site - www.bloomsdayrun.com.

Kibet is one of the elite runners listed along with fellow Kenyan standout Linus Maiyo, the only runner to beat Moore across the finish line in the International 10,000-meter run at last month's 112th annual Penn Relays.

The 16th name listed is Ricky Moore. He's one of only nine American "elites" in the star-studded race.

"This is the last race I'll compete in before the Ogden," said Moore. "It has a really great field.

"Realistically, I'm hoping to finish in the top 15 but I'm shooting for a top 10 finish," he said. "I'm really looking forward to getting out there and mixing it up again with the international guys."

But no matter how far Moore's career takes him away from The Friendly City, the Ogden Newspapers 20K Classic will always have a special place in his heart.

And keeping the championship trophy home in Wheeling for the first time ever is right at the top of his list.

"I'm definitely more fit and in better shape than I was last year," said Moore.

"My goal for this year's Ogden race is to win it and make a run at the new course record."