Sunday, March 20, 2005 -- Morgantown, WV
Cooper's Rock 2005 (MAGP #1) (iPO Event Id#: 6753)
Story and photos by Jason Black

[Details] [Coverage]
[Overall Results] [Results by Class]
Pictures: [Set 1] [Set 2] [Set 3] [Set 4] [Set 5] [Set 6]

Past Coverage: [1999] [2000] [2001] [2002] [2003] [2004]

Chillin' at Coopers

The start of the Morgantown Area Grand Prix Series (MAGP) went off without a hitch. The first race in the series, The Cooper's Rock 10K, has long been a local favorite among area runners. Rolling hills, scenic views, and a downhill finish make this a must-do for many series racers.

Excitement and icy rain filled the air as over 150 people braved the elements to compete in this year's first race in the growing MAGP race series. The challenging 5-mile run (hence the name), from the entrance of the park heads back to a popular rock which over looks the Cheat River Gorge. The rolling road is completely surrounded by forest.

Yurko finishes in the top 3

Being the first race in a popular series, a lot of familiar faces were among the crowd anxious to get started. The first person to the finish line is no stranger to crossing the line first. Ryan Skotnicki (32:53:23) proved that he is going to be a strong contender for this year's title. Skotnicki was followed by two other steady runners, Brandon Miles (35:11:65), and Tony Yurko (35:39:20). Yurko was the only non-WV runner to place in the top ten.

In the women's division, Heather Bury (40:14:23), ran away from the field finishing five minutes ahead of the pack. Julie Warner (45:22:87), and third place women Stacie Griffin (45:55:03), rounded out the top female finishers of the day.