Friday, July 4, 2008 -- Morgantown, WV / Marilla Park
BOPARC Spirit & Breath Challenge 10K-MAGP Endurance #5 (iPO Event Id#: 10819)

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

Coverage: [1999] [2000] [2001] [2002] [2003] [2004] [2005] [2006] [2007]

Wet and Wild Fourth of July

Story by Julie Black, photos by Maria af Rolen

The start of a wet day

This traditional Fourth of July event has been in the mix for 29 years. The event creates awareness about lung cancer risks and prevention.

It's no surprise that it's sponsored by two of the more well known organizations in Morgantown, BOPARC, dedicated to providing year-round recreation programs and facilities, and the Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, West Virginia's most comprehensive cancer treatment, research and education facility.

The 10K Run was #5 in the Morgantown Area Grand Prix (MAGP) Endurance Series, Presented by Dynamic Physical Therapy.

Points Race

Topping the men's series points is Jim Banks who leads with 440 points after Friday's race. He finished at the top of his class (Men 61-99) with a time of 46:28, which earned him 16th overall.

Top Endurance woman, Sue Heavner, still leads the series, now with 409 points. Sue topped her class as well (Women 41-50), grabbing her win in 46:54.

Despite the fact that this 4th of July was mostly a rainy day, the didn't let the weather dampen their spirits.

Heather Parks sets her sights on a big finish

Battling the elements, they climbed and descended down the hills, around the valleys, and between the rolling roads of Morgantown's White Park and Marilla Park. In a testament to their strength not a single runner quit. Even near the participants were flashing the thumbs up and smiling broadly.

Top in the 10K Run

Local Adam Frohnapfel, (age 16) had a lot of smile about. He lead the field of 72 runners and claimed first in the 10K with a time of 36:25. In the series he most recently won the Albert Gallatin Regatta 5K, Sprint Series event #6.

Chris Nance finished second with a time of 40:55, while 15-year old Jack Butler followed in third (41:33).

Heather Parks (Saucony/iPlayOutside) ran hard to claim the women's top 10K spot with a time of 42:11. Her time also earned her the 5th place overall spot.

Jennifer Sirockman, crossed the wet line in second with a time of 42:53. Jen Sober (2nd in overall Endurance Series points), was third (45:03).

5K Run Overalls Under 20

The 5K Run also had 72 racers and was competitive, with most of the top 7 finishers being under the age of 20. In the front was Ethan Elliot (age 17), wining by a commanding 1 minute and 36 seconds, total time of 17:58.

Crossing for second overall and as the first woman was 19-year old, Kaylyn Christopher (18:54).

The kids prepare to run a mile

Kari Selin (16) and Wesley McKinney (17) duked it out for third overall, battling each other in the rain to the finish. It was Selin would edge out McKinney by 1 second to cross in 19:08.

Jodan Hamric (18) would keep her pace ahead of Hollie Portner (18) to win the female's second place award.

5K Walk and Kid's Mile Run

The 5K walk had 29 finishers. The first to get dry was fast walking woman, Jodi Ellison (36:09). Two men rounded out the tops spots with Keith Bailey in second (36:43), and Carmellow Tabone (37:35) in third.

Afterwards a 1-mile race for kids was held. The youngest finishers found a whole mile to be quite tough, but all of them finished. The youngest trooper was 4-year old Anthony Stefanie, who finished the mile without a whimper.

Matthew Dearth (13) ran fast to cross first in 6 minutes 32 seconds. Colby Gresnak (10) did it in 7:42, and 12-year old Deta Johnson ran it in 9:05. All of the children received awards.

Though the rains down-poured this race continues to shine throughout the years.

Don't miss the next Endurance races, Friday July 11th: Jim Dunn Memorial Twilight 5 Mile Run (#6) and August 3rd:Gene's Run For Special Olympics (#7). We'll see you there!