Friday, July 1, 2005 -- Charleston, WV
Charleston Independence Celebration 5K (iPO Event Id#: 7011) Story and photos by Eric Anderson

[Details] [Coverage] [Age Group Results] [Pic Set 1] [Pic Set 2] [Pic Set 3] [Pic Set 4]

Strolling the Boulevard

This year's Fourth of July weekend celebration in downtown Charleston was a huge success. Haddad River Front Park was the place to be this Independence Day weekend, because there were activities for all citizens of all ages and interests.

Many of the activities included live music on the river, a variety of food and sweets to choose from and fireworks for everyone in the community. Although there were several events, and Independence Day was on Monday, the festival got kicked off early with an Independence 5k road race held on Kanawha Boulevard located near Haddad River Front Park.

Glen closes in...

Over 100 runners and walkers braved the hot and humid weather to participate in this inaugural event. The race course was flat and went down Kanawha Blvd. and back, which made it possible for quick times and a fast course record. The first runner to conquer the 5K course was Mathew Bright with a time of 16:48 and a seven second advantage over Brian Harvey who sprinted to the finish line with an impressive kick with a time of 16:55, with the top two breaking 17 minutes. John hull concluded the top three finishing right behind Hull with a time of 17:10. All three athletes ran impressive times considering the hot weather.

Thanks to all who participated

On the women's side, the first female to finish was Christina Rawson, with an impressive time of 19:33. Ashley Varian came in second with a time of 20:10, and Kyle Lemons rounded out the top three clocking 20:41. All the participants in the inaugural event helped kick off the highly successful Independence Day weekend in beautiful downtown Charleston. With all the activities, the capitol city was the place to be for the 2005 Independence celebration.