Saturday, June 26, 2004 -- Fairmont, WV
Run to Read Races (iPO Event Id#: 5989)
Photos by Katy Black with story by Julie Black

[Details] [Coverage]
Results: [Overall] [By Class] [20K Combined]
Pictures: [Set 1] [Set 2] [Set 3] [Set 4] [Set 5]
[Set 6] [Set 7] [Set 8] [Set 9] [Set 10] [Set 11] [Set 12]

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

Racers ready in Fairmont

This family fun day full of events, races, and water park fun gave all proceeds to the Literacy Volunteers of Marion County. A cool 70 degrees chilled the late June air.

All proceeds of the days events benefited the Literacy Volunteers of Marion County (a United Way Agency). This organization exists to provide free tutoring to adults and children of Marion County. Subjects include reading, math, English as a second language, computer basics and GED preparation. Tutoring is provided in a friendly one-on-one, learner/tutor setting. We have tutoring sites in Mannington and Fairmont and offer day and evening sessions. LVM is accredited by ProLiteracy America.

Friday night, Saturday’s events were kicked off by guest speaker, Heather Bury (2004 Olympic Marathon Trial Qualifier and personal trainer). An excellent dinner was also provided that evening. Saturday, things got underway bright and early with the start of the 15K Run at 7:30 a.m.

Jarred Smith cruises into 2nd

The 15K Runners Take Flight
Feeling fine after a win in his hometown of Fayetteville, WV at Captain Thurmond’s 5K, Larry Taylor reclaimed the 15K top spot after finishing second in 2002. Taylor’s first place time was 53:18. Jarred Smith (55:27), of Danville finished second with local runner Ronnie Moorehead (57:17), taking home third. Jen Honecker held a substantial lead in the women’s class, crossing the line as the first female with a time of 1:10:40.

5K Stories to be Told
Racing with the hometown course advantage, Jonathan Wright of Fairmont kept an 8 second lead over Grafton’s Brandon Miles (17:15), for the overall win. Wright’s time winning was 17:07. Josh Weekly of West Union Claimed third in 17:29. Fairmont gal Emily Corley (21:54), claimed first for the ladies. Naomi Hyde (23:11), kept a 6 second edge over 15K female winner Jen Honecker for second place. Honecker (23:17), finished a respectable third.

Thanks for a great day!

Walking on Sunshine
Mark Rooper (32:57), took the top trophy in the 5K Walk race, and Marty Owens (37:19), was the first woman to finish and fourth overall.

After all of the racing was over, it was time to eat. Plenty of amazing food was provided as well as free swimming at Fairmont’s Wave Tech Pool! A great day was had by all, and all for a great cause. Thanks to race director Jim Woolfitt and crew for all of the dedicated work that they put into this event every year. They really do a wonderful job. Thanks to all of the sponsors as well.