Sunday, October 17, 1999 -- Kanawha State Forest, Charleston
Toys for Tots Half-Marathon & 5K
Story by Pam Anderson with photos by Suzi Davis

[Coverage/Recap] [Pic Set 1] [Pic Set 2] [Pic Set 3] [Pic Set 4]
[Half Marathon Results] [5K Results]

Elation at the finish line

The cool foggy morning gave way to a beautiful sunny day, a perfect start for the Toys for Tots Half-Marathon and 5K race at the Kanawha State Forest. The Half-Marathon course is an extremely challenging and rugged course with a variety of surfaces. The combination of black top, gravel and dirt roads winding through the hills of the forest made for just a few minor scrapes by the finish line. The 5K course was a flat out and back course completely on black top. As runners from around the area enjoyed the beauty of the fall leaves, they were helping to make a child's Christmas a little brighter. The Toys for Tots Half Marathon and 5K's proceeds go to buy toys for needy children in the Mountain State.

Lots of smiles, lots of trophies...

Today's list of winners in the 5K race were no strangers in the local racing community. Taking top honors in the Male Overall was Jared Smith with a time of 16:54. Also taking top honors in the Female Overall was Kelly McGraw with a time of 18:48. Kelly who has run this course many times said today was her personal record. A special mention for Julie Dombek age 7, the youngest runner today, who completed the 5K course in 36:29. Congratulations to this young lady.

Cruising in for a first place Male Overall finish in the Half-Marathon was Chris Parsons with a time of 1:20:32. Chris is the Boys Track and Cross County coach for Cabel-Midland High School and an avid runner. With a strong two minute lead, Linda Detrick finished with 1:37:36 to capture first Female Overall.

Today's race was sponsored by the United States Marine Corps Reserves based in Crosslanes. Thanks to Staff Sgt. Paul Finn, race director and to Pat Board, race official and timer. With the efforts of this distinct group many children in the Charleston area will receive a little more for Christmas this year.