Sunday, March 26, 2000 -- Morgantown, WV
Cooper's Rock Challenge 10K
Story and photos by George Gannon, with photos from Lewis McGrath

[Details] [Coverage]
Results: [Run Overall] [Run Class] [5K Walk]
Pictures: [Set 1] [Set 2] [Set 3] [Set 4] [Set 5] [Set 6] [Set 7] [Set 8]

Taking off in Cooper's Rock

The 2000 Morgantown Area Grand Prix Series started off its series of races on Sunday, March 26th with the Cooper's Rock 10K Challenge. It was a beautiful, cloudless day that was perfect for the runners and walkers. The sun was beaming and breaking through the trees that lined the racecourse. A cool breeze blew across the top of the mountain. The "Rock" was waiting, and the racers were ready to try and conquer it.

The course they would be conquering was the main road to the overlook: a rolling, steady track with a nasty uphill at the start, eventually taking the runners to the entrance of the campground and the picnic area. They raced through the picnic area than returned to the gentle zigzag of the road. The final stretch of the course was a speedy downhill that launched the racers directly into the finish area.

Heather Bury finishes 5th overall

Finding the finish line first was Alderson Broadus cross-country freshman Mikey Guinn (33:53). Mikey complemented his first place run in Grafton last week with another stellar performance. He started it off right, and never looked backed. When asked about any close points in the race, he said there was "somebody behind me, but I never saw who he was." Following Mikey to the finish line was E.J. Linger (35:30). Taking the number three spot was Brad Herrington (36:30).

For the women, WVU alumnae and Olympic hopeful Heather Bury crossed the finish line first, fifth overall, with a time of 37:49. Taking second place was Pamela Todd (44:10). The number three spot went to Kelly Harper (45:27).

For everybody who ran or walked the "Rock" there were cookies and ice cold drinks at the finish area. The awards ceremony was full of happy racers and new trophies. If this race was any indication of what the Morgantown Area Grand Prix 2000 is going to be like this year, you will not want to miss a single one. A special WVOutside shout-out goes to Bob Hiser for his handling of the race results.