Saturday, November 8, 2003 -- Rowlesburg, WV
Knights of Columbus Rowlesburg River Run 10K (iPO Event Id#: 5877)

[Details] [Coverage] [Overall Results]

The First Annual Knights of Columbus, Rowlesburg River Run 10K, was held on Saturday, November 8, 2003. The "River Run" is an unusual out-and-back road race that follows the scenic Cheat River in Preston County. Just past the turn around, the course takes a "detour" through the enormous limestone caves along Route 72.

Running in the lead from start to finish was AAA State Champion, Scott Gemberling, from Preston High. Scott ran mile splits of 5:33, 5:30, 5:41, 5:34, 5:43, and 5:15 for a total time of 34:13. Three sophomores from Preston High finished in the next three places. Travis Mersing (36:39), Jake Anderson (37:19), and Kenny Johnston (37:48) finished in second through fourth place overall. A pair of all-state runners from PHS were across the finish line next. Chad Hooton (37:55) and Eric Ryan (37:58) were fifth and sixth in the River Run 10K. Pittsburgh resident, Warren Smith, put an end to the string of Preston runners with his 7th place finish of 39:05.

The first female across the line was Beth Godwin from Gainesville, Florida. Beth wasn't a big fan of the cold temperature along the Cheat River, but ran a great race nonetheless. Amber Riley from Bruceton Mills was the second overall female finisher in 44:19. Amber recently became Preston High's first all-state runner with her performance at the WV State Cross Country Championship. Third overall in the female division was PHS sophomore Bethany Scott in 47:04. Fourth overall in the female division was Shawna Kelley from Morgantown in 48:34. Finishing as the fifth overall female was Preston freshman, Hilary McConnell, in 49:49. A total of twenty-nine runners braved the cold temperatures and the bats in the cave to complete the "River Run 10K".

Special thanks go out to race director and cross country parent, David Pauly, for organizing this year's race. The 2nd Annual Rowlesburg River Run 10K will be held on Saturday, November 6th, 2004. We hope to see you there!!!