Sunday, August 5, 2007 -- Morgantown, WV / Gene's Place, South Park
Gene's Run For Special Olympics - MAGP Endurance #7 (iPO Event Id#: 10005)

2007: [Photos] [Details] [Coverage] [Overall Results] [Results by Class]

Coverage: [1998] [1999] [2000] [2001] [2002] [2003] [2004] [2005] [2006]

Being silly near the finish
Photo by Julie Black

Gene's Race Turns 21

Story and photos by Julie Black

After a full day of downpours, the rain had subsided for the 21st Annual Gene's Run for Special Olympics. It was hot. It was humid. Even in the 'iffy' conditions over 116 racers braved the winding, rolling course.

The race may be 21-years old, but Gene's Place is much older. This review from Lew on judysbook.com states, "For over 50 years Gene's has served hot dogs and beer, period. The dogs are not fancy, but they are tasty and the beer is always cold. Very reasonable prices and excellent service makes for a cozy community hang out."

Yes it's true, Gene's is a neighborhood hangout, and they give back as much as they can starting with the West Virginia Special Olympics. This was the 7th race in the 10 race Morgantown Area Grand Prix (MAGP) Endurance Series. The Series presents year end awards to top competitors and participants.

Taylor(#81) contemplates his race plan
Photo by Julie Black

Presently, Larry Taylor of Fayetteville, WV leads the Endurance Series in points. [ Read updates from August 8 ] . Though Larry is leading the Series, he finished 2nd overall at Gene's with a time of 22:25. Chris Cole, a 17-year old out of Morgantown won the 4-mile run in 21:45, running with a steady 5 minute 26 second pace. Cole finished 3rd at Gene's in 2006. Ethan Elliot, also of Morgantown, took 3rd in 22:50.

Local runner Kathy Timperman finished 1st for the women in 26:23, and 16th overall. Jennifer Vandersloot took 2nd in 27:12, and Erika Thompson swept 3rd for the ladies in 27:50.

At post-race time, folks gathered in the gravel lot for some free suds, compliments of Gene's. It was time to talk about the up-and-coming week and the rest of the races to come. The Big Bear Lake 8K is next on August 12th.

For the Record . . . Most if not all of the timing for the MAGP events is done by volunteers. Timing is hard work and the MAGP Crew who does it never asks for anything. At the next Series event go ahead and thank them for their time. I'm sure they'd appreciate the pat on the back!