Sunday, January 11, 2009 -- Charleston, WV / Kanawha City Community Center
Winter Series #2 - Run & Walk (iPO Event Id#: 11637)

[Details] [Coverage] [Photos] [Overall Results] [Results by Class] [2008]

Practical Prizes

Story and photos by George Gannon

A good showing despite some chilly temps

During the awards ceremony at the Winter Series #2 Run/Walk in Charleston, race organizer W.K. Munsey dispensed some pretty sound advice.

"We're not giving out trophies. We're giving out stuff you can use," he said to a large crowd gather in the Kanawha City Community Center. That "stuff" happened to be a scarf and anyone who stepped outside would get plenty of use out of it.

It was cold and gloomy on Sunday, with temperatures dipping into the lower 30s for most of the afternoon. By the 2 p.m. race time, a light snow was also falling.

The snow and cold temps are not the most challenging aspect of race, which snakes through the residential section of Kanawha City. At just a shade under five miles, the race is pretty demanding.

Despite the rigors, plenty of heart souls braved Mother Natures bone-chilling blast. An estimated 181 runners and 30 walkers participated in the race.

Walk or run it is fun

Taking the top spot for the ladies was Charleston's own Megan Schuerger. She and Chelsea Jarvis were neck and neck for most of the race, but Schuerger was able to pull away at about the three mile mark.

"It was tough and cold, but a lot of fun." she said.

For the men, Brad Kohler of Charleston took the top spot.

The next race in the Winter Series is #3 on February 8, 2009.

Join us on Feb. 8 at the Kanawha City Community Center (3511 Venable Avenue, Charleston, West Virginia, 348-6484) to enjoy some winter racing.

The Run and walk both begin and end at the community center. This is a 3.1 Mile Walk and 6.2 Mile Run through flat residential neighborhood.

Race Day Registration is at 12:30 pm and it's just $10.

Age Groups are 14 & under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 & Older.

Check out the Tallman Track Club for more great events.