Sunday, December 12, 2010 -- Charleston, WV
Winter Series #1
- Run (3.1 M), Walk (1.8 M) (iPO Event Id#: 13131)

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

Cold Start to the Winter Series

Story and photos by Daniel Todd

Delightful Racers

The weather outside was frightful, but the runners found it very delightful last Saturday in Kanawha City for the first race of this years Winter Series. The 1.8 mile walk and 3.1 mile run took runners down streets lined with mature oaks standing guard like giant nutcrackers.

A window in the weather seemed perfectly timed as hardly a drop of rain or flake of snow fell during the race.

The relocated start/finish behind CAMC Memorial had no effect on the turnout as over 200 runners and walkers entered the series.

The walkers got to toe the line first to negotiate the out and back course that includes Virginia and Kanawha Avenues. Mark Rooper continues to speed walk the distance faster than many runners finishing in 20:14:3. Susann Venters was the fastest female walker clocking a 26:57:3.

The mass of runners looked like Christmas ribbon at the one mile mark with Adam Coon leading the way. He out kicked the field posting an impressive sub 17 minute 5k performance at 16:49 flat. Nick Bias was in the chase finishing with a 17:32:0.

Firing the gun at the start

I continue to be impressed by the youthful Sami Harris who seems to of grown a foot in the last year. She posted a 18:32:2 to be the top female. She keeps getting faster. If she can stay healthy she will be tough to beat on any surface. Sue Baldwin was the next female across the line at 20:39:4.

For a breakdown of the age group winners see here: www.iplayoutside.com/Events/2010/12/13131r.html

The Winter Series is a joint effort by Charleston City Parks and the Tallman Track Club (http://tallmantrackclub.com/).

The Tallman Track Club gave out it first ever Man of the Year award after Saturday's event. The first man of the year was a woman, Kelly McGraw. Kelly was honored for her work she does supporting road running in the valley. Kelly is the director of the Poca River 15K Road Race.

The next race in the Winter Series is on Sunday, January 9, 2011. Start the new year with this race that features a 4.9 mile run and a 2.4 mile walk.

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Thank You Series Sponsors

Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center