Sunday, December 2, 2007 -- Morgantown, WV / Krepps Park, Suncrest
Back Bay Snowflake Sprint 5K-MAGP Sprint #10 (iPO Event Id#: 10015)

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

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Lucky Number 13 for Back Bay

Story by Julie Black with photos by Maria af Rolen

Rain, but no snowflakes
Photo by Maria af Rolen

Since it's inception in 1994, the Back Bay Snowflake Sprint 5K has truly only seen a few snowflakes on race day. iPlayOutside's been on the scene since '98, almost ten years. That may be hard to believe, but time flies when you're having fun.

Despite the nasty, wet conditions, over 200 racers enjoyed the race and post-event spread compliments of Back Bay Seafood Restaurant located on Mileground Road in Morgantown, WV. Reminiscent of races of yesteryears, when over 200 participants were common, this event was a bit different too. The 5K posted only online entry forms (no mailings) and had race day registration, amazing!

The Back Bay race sees many familiar faces. It's usually the spot where many racers get in one last good local race before the slower season hits. This year was no different.

The race had faster finishes this year than in 2006. Local, Jason Santucci, ran a fast 5K in 15:35.07 for the overall win. Justin Simpson of Chester, WV, held tight for second in 15:35.32. Twice their age, local training coach, Danny Fink claimed third in 16:35.

Happy to play outside
Photo by Maria af Rolen

Cruising over from Mchenry, Maryland, Jen Sober crossed the line as the first female in 20:54. Two Morgantown residents rounded out the women's other top spots. Patty VanderSloot finished second in 21:15, and Emily Calandrelli at 21:50 took home third.

Long-time 5K walker William Cunningham of Mineral Wells, WV returned to Morgantown to claim first in the walk in 33:06. Of Little Hocking, Ohio, Martha Marks was second (34:52), and Bernard Fries of Belpre, Ohio claimed 3rd in 35:36. Fries is 76, proving that you're never too young to be on the podium.

Special thanks to all of the volunteers, MAGP timers, Back Bay, and the many others who make this event a success every year. The food is always amazing as is the course. Don't forget, there's one more race before the MAGP banquet, join the MAGP crew at the The Run to Read Half-Marathon on January 5th.

For the Record:

The Girls on the Run Club of Monongalia County were there in full force. The non-profit prevention program encourages preteen girls to develop self-respect and healthy lifestyles through running.

And speaking of girls who run, 9-year old Kaylyn Harris of Reedsville, WV has become the youngest person to ever win overall in the MAGP Series! Missing only one sprint event, Harris ran her way to becoming the 2007 MAGP Women's Sprint Series Champion.

Read more at MAGP Updates.