Sunday, February 6, 2011 -- Charleston, WV
Winter Series #3 - Run (6.2 M), Walk (3.1 M) (iPO Event Id#: 13133)

[Race #1] [Race #2]

Race #3: [Details] [Coverage] [Photos]
Results: [Overall Results] [Results by Class] [More Results] [More Results]

Series Ends Strong

Story and photos by George Gannon.

The kids are all smiles

For once, the weatherman cooperated with Charleston's Winter Series race. Overcast and certainly chilly, Sunday's race wasn't marked by a fresh layer of new-fallen snow that hit the last race or bone-chilling temperatures the marked the first in the three-race series.

However, anyone who got too cold could warm themselves by the burning asphalt left scorched by Jason Pyles. Running in his first race since last fall, Pyles took the lead right of the gate and never looked back.

In a change from past Winter Series races, a series of races sponsored by the City of Charleston Parks and Recreation Department and the Tallman Track Club, weather wasn't much of a factor. The third and final race is 6.2 mile run and 3.1 mile walk that snakes through a flat, fast course in the Capital city's Kanawha City neighborhood.

Road running in Charleston

With more than 200 runners and walkers, the race continues to grow every year. Pyles, who did not compete in the other two races, got out early and never looked back. "This was awesome," he said of the race. "These guys do a great job."

Pyles crossed the finish line at 32:08. Following close behind was Brian Floyd (33:08). Rounding out the top three was Adam Coon (35:02).

For the ladies, Pyles' wife Marian Pyles took the top spot with a personal best of 36:28. Taking the number two spot was Sami Harries (38:12). Ericka Thompson (40:26) rounded out the top three.

In the overall series, Adam Coon took the top spot, followed by Nick Bias and Scott Workman. For the ladies, Sue Baldwin took top honors, followed by Joie Johnston and Abbie Short.

Don't miss the Spring/Summer Speed Series!

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Thank You Series Sponsors

Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center