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Saturday, August 16, 2008 -- Elkins, WV / Davis & Elkins College Athletic complex
Ken Cunningham Cross-Country Races (iPO Event Id#: 10704)

[Details] [Coverage] [Photos] Results: [5K Overall] [5K by Class] [Other Races/Awards]

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Story by Wendy Cunningham Morgan, (with submitted photos)

Kens Race, submitted photo
All smiles at the Kids Race
On August 16, 2008, good times were had by all when over 100 athletes turned out for the 10th Annual Kenneth Cunningham 5-K Memorial Cross-Country Run on the Davis & Elkins College athletic field in Elkins, West Virginia. This course has a challenging upper trail which turns and winds throughout a cool, shaded, wooded area, and the lower part of the course has two wide streams to cross. It has been the site of West Virginia's State High School Cross-Country Championship.

The day's events included a 2-mile Trail Walk, a 400 meter Fun Run for kids 7 yrs. and younger, a 1/2 mile Mini-Cross Country Run for kids 8 to 11 yrs. of age, and featured the 5-K race with an individual/team concept of men and women's teams being randomly chosen after "last minute registration" closed. It was noted that athletes who are members of a middle school or high school cross-country team are unable to participate in the "Fun Teams", however on an individual basis the overall male and female winner is based on pure talent and fire from within.

Kens Race, submitted photo
Good Friends, Womens Fun Team - Daffodils
Ben Bolock, Philippi, WV, was the first place overall male winner, with a time of 18:40 and Lucas Warner, Hendricks, WV, was the second place overall male winner.

The first place overall female was Letitia Propst, with a time of 22:44, and second place overall female was Cora Fry, both of Elkins.

The random men and women's fun team winners were "Blue Gills" and "Daffodils", respectively. The 1/2 mile Mini-Cross Country Run was won by Riley Queen in the girls category, and Stephan Tenney in the boys category. Carol Holt and Mark Roofer were the overall female and male athletes in the 2-mile Trail Walk.

This race is held in memory of Ken Cunningham who had an extreme passion for cross-country and road races, especially at the middle school and high school levels.

We would like to thank the following sponsors for their faithful support:

  • United Parcel Service and Employees
  • International Brotherhood of Teamsters + Local 175 Rose Summit Stock Farm
  • Days Inn, Elkins Physical Therapy & Sports Injury Clinic, Davis Electric
  • Mike Ross, Inc., Crazy Harry's Country Market & Amish Crafted Furniture
  • Wendy's, Sports Unlimited, Edward Jones Investments, Propst Realty
  • Tony's Classic Tees, Country Creations, Primitive Candle & Country Gift Shop
  • Double AA Roundup, Investors Capital Corporation and Tomblyn Funeral Home

Kens Race, submitted photo
Good race ...
Door prizes were provided by:
  • Davis & Elkins College Bookstore, U.S. Army Reserves, Dollar General Store
  • DeMotto Honda Yamaha, Citizens National Bank
  • Elkins Physical Therapy & Sports Injury Clinic, Star Furniture
  • The Elkins Inter-Mountain, Sherwin-Williams Paint, Augusta Heritatge Center
  • Primitive Blessing's Gift Shop, Davis & Elkins College Alumni Relations, Cabela's
  • Auto Zone, Wendy's, Infinity & Tattoo, The American Mountain Theater
  • Shop & Save, Stan's Mini Mall Barber Shop
  • Kimberly's Country Fixin's, and TD's Classic Tees

Also a special thank you to John Eye for taking photos of the days activities.

All proceeds benefited the Elkins Middle School and High School cross-country teams.

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On a personal note . . .

Kens Race, submitted photo
In loving memory of Charlene Kisner
I would like to dedicate the 2008 year's race to my mother, Charlene Kisner, who provided tremendous support to us and Ken's race.

In July 2008, mom was diagnosed with cancer. She was a big part of the race - always there to help with "behind the scenes" set up, as well as registration and the finish line. This year, she was able to help with the pre-registration and make her famous trail mix, but was unable to be at the race. She fought hard, but lost her battle on September 21, 2008.

She is and will always be missed, not only by her family and friends, but at the race as well.

I love you Mom - WM