Saturday, March 26, 2011 -- Charleston, WV
Joker Race - Spring/Summer Series #1 (iPO Event Id#: 13359)

2011: [Details] [Coverage] [Photos] [Overall Results]

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Mother Nature is a Joker

Story and photos by Daniel Todd

Joker Race Photo by Daniel Todd

Mother Nature sure is tricky. She fooled us with a week of sunshine and warm weather. We fall for it every year about this time. We fold up the running tights, hang up the jacket, retire the wool socks and put away the gloves. You hit the roads for a run and the sunlight warms your body.

After a long winter of running in the dark you finally can enjoy a 4 miler after work in the daylight. The queen of weather decided to play a joke on the Jokers last Saturday by plunging the mercury into the low thirties and giving us a light coat of frost. She didn't stop there as about 6" of fresh snow dropped in the mountains providing the best closing day conditions at Snowshoe Mountain in memory.

As cold as it was Kanawha City was beautiful. Spring was making its presence known with the arrival of dogwood and pear tree blossoms on every block. The budding leaves left a haze of light green across the horizon and arched over the runners as the pavement rolled under their feet.

Jason Pyles had a two minute gap on the next runner at the turn around at 51st Street. He kicked it home finishing the 4 mile course in 20:12. First female and 2nd place overall was Marian Pyles with a brisk 23:13. JR Sharp took third place overall with a time of 25:17.

The Spring-Summer Series is a great and affordable way to stay motivated this year. The next race is Friday, May 20th, the Sundown Showdown. Run or walk all of the races, check out the schedule!

Presented in part by . . .

Charleston Parks & Recreation

The Charleston Parks & Recreation Department strives to promote the constructive use of leisure time and thereby the social stability of the community and the physical and mental health of individuals by providing facilities, public areas, open spaces and programs which will enhance the quality of life for the citizens of the greater Charleston area.

The City of Charleston

Charleston is a family-friendly city full of great things to see and do for people of all ages. The best part is that in addition to great variety, everything is close by. In fact, you could fill a day with shopping dining and recreation without ever having to get back in your car. And those places that do require a car trip are quick and easy to get to.

Tallman Track Club

This club is an unintentionally nonprofit organization dedicated to training and practice for road racing from 5K to Marathon and beyond. New members are welcome and the only membership qualification is a willingness to sweat, suffer, and persevere. For three decades, the Tallman Track Club has met for practice and training at 5pm at The University of Charleston-heat, cold, rain, sleet or snow notwithstanding.