Friday, July 13, 2001 -- Morgantown, WV
Brew Pub Twilight 5 Mile Trail Race (MAGP #4) (iPO Event Id#: 3072)
Story by Don Parks with photos by Dave McKain

[Details] [Coverage]
Results: [5 Mile Overall] [5 Mile by Class] [5K Walk]
Pictures: [Set 1] [Set 2] [Set 3] [Set 4] [Set 5] [Set 6] [Set 7] [Set 8] [Set 9]
[2000 Coverage]

McCollam hangs with Bohan for as long as possible

What a beautiful evening for a 5 Mile running race on the Caperton Trial in Morgantown, West Virginia. Clear skies and low humidity greeted those participating in the West Virginia Brewing Company sponsored 5 Mile Trail Race, the fourth race in the Morgantown Area Grand Prix series. A stark contrast to the previous year's weather that included a pounding thunderstorm just before the race start.

The race, in only its second year, is attracting large crowds and the areas heavy hitters were out, especially the track crew (past and present) from West Virginia University. It was elite runners up against elite runners and you could see on the competitors faces that they were all working hard - especially sprinting to the finish line.

Heather Bury (Saucony/PowerBar) took care of business on the Trail

A quick loop through Morgantown city streets spread the field out before hitting the narrow Rails-to-Trails path. The city streets did the trick as Steve Bohan and Dave McCollam shed the rest of the field as they headed down the trail. McCollam continued to hold on as long has he could but Bohan was not to be denied as he built a gap that would never close.

Bohan finished with a blistering time of 24:49 (4:58 avg. pace) to set a new course record by almost two minutes. McCollam finished second at 25:25, a time that also beat the 2000 course best of 26:38 set by Rich Secrest. Rounding out the top five where Jason Santucci (27:01) Tony Basta (27:13) and Ed Frohnapfel (27:40).

In similar fashion to the men's race, the women launched two runners to the front early with defending champion Rebecca Stallwood matching strides with Heather Bury through the first mile.

Stallwood would go on to finish the race in 29:00, a full two minutes better than her previous year's winning time of 31:02. However, that was still not enough as the impressive Bury was clocked at 28:03 (5:37 avg. pace) for a commanding win, 6th overall, and the new female course record. Rounding out the top five where Merissa Sexsmith (39:27), Johanna Fisher (30:53) and Sara Walker (31:57).

A fun run for everyone

While all the 5 mile run was taking place a separate 5K walk event was heading out and back on the trail in the opposite direction. The first two finishers where Pennsylvanians David Burkhart (29:34) and Karl E Burkhart (31:08). Following them for third and fourth overall, and first and second among the women, were Maryland's Suzanne Wilburn (31:22) and Indiana's Sherry Tynes (31:41), respectively.

Many more runners and walkers found their way to the finish line to the cheers of the crowds gathered at the Riverfront Park Amphitheater. Waiting at the finish was live music and plenty of much needed refreshment.

After a quick cool down it was time to make the short walk over to the WV Brew Pub for the outdoor awards party. A nice big meal was waiting along with plenty of the Brew Pub's own brand of liquid refreshment. Adding to the fun was plenty of great random prizes along with the obligatory trophies for all the overall and age group winners. This event is sure to continue to grow so be sure to sign up early for next year!