"The Philippi Races" return to the Philippi Covered Bridge
On Saturday morning, June 6th, the streets of Philippi were alive with
anxious competitors ready to take part in a unique Civil War
reenactment. Unlike the Blue & Gray Reunion participants, they were
not dressed in full Civil War era attire and weren't reliving the
customs of the day. This group of well over 200 were dressed in
running attire. They had come to be chased for over 3 miles
through the city until crossing the historic Philippi Covered Bridge
in route to the finish line. It seems the Battle of Philippi, the
first land battle of the Civil War, culminated in the hasty retreat of
the Confederate troops across the covered bridge. The victors dubbed
the June 3rd, 1861, event as "The Philippi Races".
Abe looks on as Joyce Nestor completes the bridge crossing
With a full festival atmosphere, the racing (or retreating) got
underway at 9:00am for the 1st Annual Blue & Gray 5K. The course
followed a relatively flat route with one hill just before the
Covered Bridge and the final stretch to the finish.
When the starting signal was given, it was Michael Guinn
immediately sprinting out in front. Once Guinn settled down, Dave
McCollam quickly joined him as the two took control at the front
of the race. The two ran together for most of the race until McCollam
started to pull away just before the bridge. He crossed the finish
line after just 15:45 to take first overall with Guinn arriving
at 16:14 to take second. Michael Brosenne (18:18) crossed
the line third after running in that position for most of the race.
Susie Philipps knows the joys of West Virginia... outside!
In the battle for the best women's time, Rebecca Schoonover
chased down and passed Mandy Helms just over a mile into the
race. Schoonover continued to push the pace and built a comfortable
lead to take the win in 19:58. Helms easily held on to second in a
time of 21:13. When asked about her second place finish to
Schoonover, Helms simply replied, "That girl is fast!"
The battle for third among the women was hard fought between Jenn
Robertson and Stephanie Hatfield. With Robertson on the
chase for most of the entire race, she was finally able to catch
Hatfield on the covered bridge. Robertson proved to have a little
more saved for the finish as she out-kicked her rival to take third in
22:07 to Hatfield's 22:15.
Many, many more athletes, families, and friends enjoyed the warm
morning run and were treated to plenty of great refreshments at the
finish. You won't want to miss the 2nd Annual Blue & Gray 5K because
it is sure to be an even bigger and better celebration next year.
