Saturday, May 24, 2003 -- Grafton, WV
Race to Remember 10K (CARS #3) (iPO Event Id#: 5432)
Story and photos by EJ Linger

[Details] [Coverage] [Overall Results] [Pic Set 1] [Pic Set 2]
[2002 Event Coverage]

Racing to Remember.

What is that big bright object in the sky? Is it an airplane, a UFO or... wait... no, it is the Sun!!! After days of rain, the sun finally made a visit in time for the Race to Remember 10K in Grafton, WV. The West Virginia Memorial Day Parade Committee did a great job setting up this race that started and finished in front of the West Virginia National Cemetery on Walnut Street.

What a good idea to kick off the Memorial Day weekend and get people to remember the fallen heroes. The race covered the parade route and part of downtown Grafton. The runners did their part to make this challenging 10K race a good start to the weekend of celebrations.

After finishing 3rd last year in this race, Murshid Latif, a well-known road racer from Weston came back to Grafton with one thing in his mind, to win. Murshid took the lead and never looked back this year in the 10K with a winning time of 36:52.

Holly Rooper races for a podium spot

Coming in second place was Kris Horton with a time of 38:16. Kris came all the way from Louisville, Kentucky.

Rounding out the top three was Dave Dickman from Cincinnati, Ohio with a time of 38:33. The local runners must have wondered where these guys came from.

Finishing 8th overall, and first place for the women was Jessica Huff with a time of 41:53. What an impressive finish!

Coming in second place was was a 13 year-old from Scott Depot, West Virginia, Holly Rooper, with a time of 46:49. An impressive run by a young runner! It seems there may be some young talent in the state for distance running this year.

A fine day to finish a 5K

Debbie Goss of Parsons, West Virginia, proved that there are some veteran running legs still prepared to compete. She took thrid place in a time of 52:04.

For the 5K Walk, Mark Rooper set a blistering pace with a winning time of 33:10. While for the women, Marty Owings took the win with a time of 37:54.

Plenty of refreshments awaited all finishers as everyone enjoyed a great morning of racing. Special thanks go to the Grafton Police, Fire, and EMS departments for all their help. Race director Jay Taylor certainly appreciated everyone's help and participation.