Saturday, June 1, 2002 -- Morgantown, WV
Deckers Creek Trail Half Marathon (iPO Event Id#: 4722)
Story and photos by Julie Black

[Details] [Coverage]
[Overall Results] [Results by Class]
Pictures: [Set 1] [Set 2] [Set 3] [Set 4] [Set 5] [2001 Event Coverage]

13.1 miles of fun on the Deckers Creek Trail

The 10th Anniversary of National Trails Day took place June 1st on 100's of trails in communities across the United States. This special day was a chance for organizations and agencies to form new partnerships, showcase recent accomplishments, and raise their community's awareness about their local hiking trails.

The Mon River Trails Conservancy celebrated National Trails Day and their 11th anniversary with Trail Mix 2002. As part of the Trail Mix celebration, the 2nd Annual Deckers Creek Trail Half Marathon started off the out door festivities with a downhill race along Deckers Creek watershed. From Masontown to Morgantown, the scenic, fine gravel path drops approximately 800 feet over the 13.1-mile race course!

Over 170 racers laced up on Saturday morning to take on Deckers downhill trek in the warm morning sun. Many of Morgantown, West Virginia's local running stars were on the line, familiar with the course since they'd been training on it regularly. From an outsiders perspective, it was evident that experience in age, course, and pacing "know-how" could have big pay offs by the end of this race.

Racing for the shade on the trail

As a few runners rounded the bend with the sun at their backs at mile 8, Ed Frohnapfel of Morgantown, WV, was leading in the heat. About 50 yards or less behind Frohnapfel was Rawlings, MD runner, Brian Hopkins. Nearing the finish, the humidity kicked in which made many racers legs pay the price.

The stage was set for an upset as Hopkins kept Frohnapfel in his sights for miles, but Frohnapfel ended up out of his reach in the end. Ed broke the tape for the 2nd year in a row to claim the top spot with a time of 1:13:13. Hopkins (1:13:19), trailed by 6 seconds to capture 2nd. Taking 3rd for the 2nd year in a row was "Morgantowner" E.J. Linger with a time of 1:18:33.

The quest for the women's overall prize was spread out. All by herself, Morgantown's youngest female to claim a top spot, Johanna Fisher (1:33:11), ran away with 1st place. Sharon Marks (1:33:39), of Parkersburg, WV beat out PA racer Sabine Kane for 2nd. Kane crossed the line in 1:34:10 for 3rd place.

Runners finished at Marilla Park where a fine spread of food and juices awaited them. This was also the setting for Trail Mix 2002, which presented a number of free, exciting outdoor activities for adults and children! All of the proceeds from the day's events benefited the Mon River Trails Conservancy (MRTC), who develops and manages the 51-miles of Mon Rail-Trails in North Central West Virginia.

Helping preserve and promote the beauty on the Mon River Trails

MRTC's goal is to continue construction on the Mon River Trail north to the PA state line and south to Prickett's Fort State Park near Fairmont, WV. They also want to maintain the Deckers Creek and Mon River Trails to the highest standards possible. At least $10,000 is needed this summer to ensure the existing trail in Mon and Preston Counties receives needed upgrades and routine maintenance. Help them; and they'll help you have a great trail system to enjoy! To help MRTC go to: www.montrails.org.

Many Thanks to the 2002 Race Sponsors: Adventures Edge, Casa D'Amici, Greer Industries, Med Express, Mountain People's Market Co-op & Kitchen, Morgantown Roadrunners, Panera Bread, Pathfinder, Pepsi Bottling Group, Wamsley Cycles, WCLG, West Virginia University Hospitals, WesBanco Bank, and Whitetail Cycles and Fitness.

Many Thanks to the Race Contributors: Archie's Restaurant and Pub, Mary Beth Koff - The Bodywork Shop, Cool Runnings, Classics Restaurant Lounge, Hero Hut, Jay's Daily Grind, Keith Allen Salon, Slight Indulgence, Spectrum Optical, Street's Store, Masontown, Superior Photo Service, Tatham's Nursery, 3 C's Salon, Valley Auto Service, Valley Pharmacy of Reedsville, and Zen Clay.