Saturday, June 5, 2004 -- Kanawha City, WV
Run with a Cop 5K for Special Olympics (iPO Event Id#: 6281)
Story and photos by Ariana Kincaid

[Details] [Coverage] [Overall Results] [Pic Set 1] [Pic Set 2] [Pic Set 3] [Pic Set 4]
Past Coverage: [1999] [2000] [2001] [2002] [2003]

Off to a fast 5K start

Saturday morning, June 5 was clammy for those of us watching the runners, but it was great weather for those participating in the Sixth Annual Run with a Cop, which benefits the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics and Kanawha County Special Olympics.

Starting out at the Medical Building on 31st Street in Kanawha City, the course was a fairly simple out- and-back course with a loop at the halfway point to keep the participants from running into one another as they turned to head for the finish.  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.

Cooler temps in Kanawha

Put out an APB on those Guys
Overall first place finisher Adam Coon performed admirably, completing the course with a time of 16:38.  That outdistanced his two nearest competitors, Glenn Baldwin at 17:07 and Jason Redman at 17:25.  (Conspicuously absent from this year's race was the man who had won the previous four editions Larry Taylor.  Someone put out an APB on him!)

The Usual Suspects in the Women's Race
Laurie Lord finished with a time of 17:54, and was the first female to cross the finish line.  Usual suspects Kelly McGraw and Connie Young finished in second and third place, respectively.

Sporting the 2004 Shirt

Long Arms (and Legs) of the Law
The law enforcement officers also had their own category, with Shawn Williams outgunning his comrades with a time of 21:52. With a time of 24:35, Bryan Robbins finished second in the law enforcement category, and Charleston PD's own Eric Eagle rounded out the top three with a time of 34:02.

The Rest of the Story
There was one wheelchair participant, but due to some sort of incident during a high-speed chase on the information superhighway, his information is presently unavailable.  Walkers were also awarded trophies - Fred Friend finished first.  (Say THAT three time as fast as you can. )  Mark Rooper, 41, finished second and both had distinctive race-walking gaits that couldn't be missed on the course! Finishing third Dennis Lucas.

    Special thanks to all who came out to support a great cause! Just like last year, CASCI was the award winner for most donations raised, with $257. Sponsors include Wal-Mart, Balzout, and Dick's Sporting Goods.  And thanks a bunch to Pam Anderson, who knows how we at IPO like our results, and can usually be counted on to deliver them.