Saturday, May 31, 2003 -- Kanawha City, WV
Run with a Cop 5K for Special Olympics (iPO Event Id#: 5283)
Story and photos by Ariana Kincaid

[Details] [Coverage]
[Overall Results] [Results by Class]
Pictures: [Set 1] [Set 2] [Set 3] [Set 4] [Set 5]
Past Coverage: [1999] [2000] [2001] [2002]

A nice, dry start to Run with a Cop

The 5th Annual Run with a Cop for Special Olympics 5k was threatened with bad weather very early in the morning, but Mother Nature must have known not to mess with those that serve and protect. By race time, there were nothing but blue skies in attendance in Kanawha City. Over 130 runners and walkers came out to support the Kanawha County Special Olympics and the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.

Although only four law enforcement officers participated in the race, numerous police officers were in attendance, aiding along the race route, and giving moral support to their colleagues and other competitors as all were there in support of a great cause. The Chief of Police of Charleston even came out to give out the awards!

A little friendly competition

The first law enforcement officer to cross the line was Chris Bowman, 32, finishing with a time of 20:13, which was good enough for 23rd overall. He was followed by Gregory Bishop, 36, coming in at 23:44, and 47th overall. Hot on Officer Bishop's heels was Donald Peal, 35, who at 23:45 was just a second away from that second place glory. He finished 48th. And 49th was John Shannon, who finished just three seconds later at 23:48.

The civilian who ran off with the title yet again (when is someone going to apprehend this guy?), was Fayetteville's Larry Taylor, with a time of 16:22 (twenty seconds off of last year's time). This is one suspect who consistently eludes capture!

No speeding tickets here

Following Taylor in second place was David Kline, 46, who at 16:28 was also impressive. Third place went to Glenn Baldwin, whose 16:50 was nine seconds better than last year's time, but still wasn't enough to overtake Taylor.

On the women's side, Christine Rawson, 36, finished with a time of 18:39, and 13th overall. Barbara Kuhlemeier, 44, shaved almost a minute off of last year's time to come in at 18.41 and 14th overall. And last year's first place female came in third - Kelly McGraw, 31, finished with a time of 18.56, and 16th overall.

Taking the more leisurely approach

Walkers were also awarded trophies - Mark Rooper, 40, finished first with a time of 31:55 - his distinctive race-walk couldn't be missed on the course! Sixty-nine year-old Lionel North put some strolling youngsters to shame, finishing in 41:27. And Shannon Cavender, 22, finished third among the walkers with a time of 47:38.

Special thanks to all who came out to support a great cause! CASCI was the award winner for most donations raised, with $475. Nearly $2000 was raised for Special Olympics! Sponsors include Wal-Mart, Balzout, and Dick's Sporting Goods. Pam Anderson and Cpl. J. R. Frazier deserve a couple of huzzahs for their hard work and great effort in putting on a fun race!