Saturday, May 3, 2003 -- Charleston, WV
Komen West Virginia Race for the Cure (iPO Event Id#: 5366)
Story and photos by Ariana Kincaid

[Details] [Coverage]
[Overall Results] [Results by Class]
Pictures: [Set 1] [Set 2] [Set 3] [Set 4] [Set 5]
[Set 6] [Set 7] [Set 8] [Set 9] [Set 10] [Set 11] [2001 Coverage] [2002 Coverage]

Racing fun in Charleston

West Virginia's Third Annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure drew thousands to the Capitol campus in a festival-like atmosphere, all there to support the eradication of breast cancer, and to walk in support and memory of the survivors and victims of a disease that will strike 1 in 8 women, and even some men. Many more feel the effects because of the loss of a friend, family member, co-worker, or loved one.

The proceeds from this race go largely to support breast cancer treatment, research, and awareness in West Virginia. The crowd of participants was so large that many walkers hadn't made it past Elizabeth Street (a block and half from the start) when the first runners were spotted, returning to the Capitol to claim their spoils.

With a virtual headlock on the competition was 41-year-old Larry Taylor of Fayetteville, WV, who finished with a time of 16:50:26 It's interesting to note that Larry regularly races in bright yellow shoes, and this year, there seemed to be a great deal more yellow running shoes worn in this race than in years past--imitation is the best form of flattery, eh?

Larry Taylor leads the competitive crowd

When asked, as he ascended the Capitol steps to accept his award, if he was ever going to let someone else win the race, Taylor just smiled and shook his head. It's obvious that to win this race, you have to go through Larry Taylor first!

Finishing in second place with a time of 16:59:07 was David Kline, 46, of Saint Albans, WV. Wrapping up the top three was Glenn Baldwin, 44, of Charleston, WV, with a time of 17:15:35.

The first female finisher was Saint Albans native Kelly McGraw, who finished 16th overall with a time of 19:11:06. Finishing 25th overall was second place female Roxanne Polo-Reasor, with a time of 20:15:32. And at 20:34:79, the third female finisher was Sarah Fletcher.

Teamwork is always encouraged

In the special category for breast cancer survivors, Janet Proctor finished first with a time of 26:54:54. Deborah McHenry of Saint Albans continued her winning ways by finishing second among survivors to go with her first place finishes the past two years. Debby finished with a time of 27:22:65. Following her was Jamie Goetz, 32, 28:28:47. And just three seconds behind Jamie was the fourth place survivor, Tina Sherriff of Winfield, in 28:31:46.

The festive yet poignant atmosphere of this event, like no other, lends itself to families running or walking together, and many with pets. Many runners and walkers did so with strollers (single and double), wagons filled with kids, or with kids and dogs in tow. Many kids this year accompanied mom or dad on their two-wheeled scooters.

Lots of parents, like Charleston Distance Run Coordinator Kelly Castleberry, walked the route with a child on their shoulders. The first "encumbered" finisher, however, was Corey Zurbuch, an attorney from Charleston. He ran the race in 23:06:53, pushing a stroller the whole way!

Helping out in many ways

Businesses and organizations were encouraged for form teams to walk as a group and raise money for the cause. The team that raised the most money was Ticketmaster. The YWCA Walkers for Cancer Awareness scored the best of all teams (tabulated by adding up the times of their finishers). The Best T-shirt Design went to Team Blue from Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and the Most Creative was the team honoring Jeannie Dwyer. Largest team was Kelly's Krew, for the third year in a row. The team with the Most Team Spirit was V-100.

Special thanks to Yoplait, New Balance, Ford, V-100, WCHS-TV 13, Class VI River Runners, Joey's, Mountaineer Glass and CAMC for their many sponsorships during the organization of the race. Special thanks also to River City Runners of Parkersburg, WV for their wonderful time-keeping equipment and skills. And thanks to all of those who ran and walked and those who cheered them on.