Saturday, April 23, 2005 -- Elkins, WV
YMCA Ramp Race - (Century Series #1) (iPO Event Id#: 6895)
Story and photos by Julie Black

[Details] [Coverage] [Overall Results] [Results by Class]
[Pic Set 1] [Pic Set 2] [Pic Set 3] [Pic Set 4]
Past Coverage: [1999] [2000] [2004]

Racing in Elkins

The rain held off long enough for over 80 runners and walkers this past Saturday. This is the 2nd year for this town-healthy, Elkins, West Virginia race series which encourages physical fitness by rewarding individuals who participate in the Elkins area running and walking events. The Century of Service Series helps to commemorate the Y's 100th year of service to the local community.

Everyone who registers for and completes each of the events in the series will be presented with $100 at the completion of the last race, which will be the RailTrail Ramble on November 12, 2005. This year's Century Series has 8 races total. The next event is the Read Carney Memorial on Saturday, June 5 at Riverbend Park in Elkins, WV.

Nice day for a jog?

The Ramp Race course is an out-and-back trek through Elkin's paved side streets. It's flat, and reasonably fast, conveniently starting and ending in front of the YMCA. This year's overall run winner Matthew Walsh had a considerable lead. Finishing with a time of 17:44, Walsh ran away with the top prize. Jim Severino (18:42) claimed 2nd, as Todd Schoonover (19:53), crossed the line for 3rd.

Taking 5th overall, Johanna Biola, finished 1st for the ladies in 20:16. Melissa Wagner (21:55), and Rebecca Schoonover (22:12) rounded out the top spots in the women's division. The top walker of the day was John Keller, who finished in 23:45. At post-race time runners, walkers, and quite a few spectators made their way inside the warm YMCA for some treats and trophies.