Saturday, August 8, 1998 -- Clarksburg
|
It's a crowded place to be at the start of the Clarksburg 10K
|
Greater Clarksburg 10K
[
Pic Set 1]
[
Pic Set 2]
[
Results]
The streets of downtown Clarksburg were transformed into a sea of
pandemonium early Saturday morning as spectators and racers gathered
for the 2nd annual Greater Clarksburg 10K Run. One of the largest
races in the state, the event drew over 1,100 runners. Local, national
and international racers alike gathered on the sunny, humid morning to
compete for the $20,000 purse. The course took the runners for two
|
Simon Morolong takes it easy after winning in a close finish
|
laps through the rolling hills of downtown Clarksburg. Excitement
wasn't limited to the race course though as thousands of spectators
showed up with music, balloons, and cameras, to cheer on the runners.
The start of the race saw the runners heading up Main Street. As with
most big races, those not lucky enough to start near the front had to
contain their enthusiasm until the pack began to thin. By the second
lap, a four-person pack had forged a lead that kept them a safe
distance ahead of the other runners for the rest of the race. Fans
watched in awe as the four leaders battled towards the finish,
hammering out the last 100 yards to finish within just six seconds of
each other with South Africa's Simon Morolong bringing home the
glory. Morolong paced himself, choosing to stay at the back of the
lead pack for the majority of the race, biding his time before
|
Catherine Ndereba celebrates a short lived victory
|
sprinting to the front during the last kilometer of the
race. Morolong's finishing time of 28:32 was just one second better
than that of second place finisher John Gwako of Kenya. Morolong's
tied the course record and earned him $4,000 in prize money. Finishing
third, with a time of 28:37 was Kenya's John Kariuki followed
closely by Ondoro Osoro, also of Kenya, with a time of 28:38.
|
They love the locals in Clarksburg, "Run, Bob, Run!"
|
While the men were fighting for their titles, the women were doing the
same. Adding to the day's excitement, Catherine Ndereba crossed the
finish line first only to be disqualified for an illegal start.
Ndereba later admitted to beginning the race with a 140 yard head
start, claiming that the dense crowds kept her from returning to the
her place at the starting line before the gun went off. The
controversial finish allowed Deliah Asiago, of Kenya, to capture the
Women's 1st place title with a time of 33:02.
|
Racers round a corner in downtown Clarksburg
|
While the close finishes were exciting, it was also satisfying to see
so many hometown and regional racers come out to join the fun. While
some racers relaxed after their 10k jaunt, many were treated to a
crowd pleasing 1K Kids' race. The over 200 participants coupled
with the relatively short distance made for a very competitive race
which was fun for both the kids and the spectators. What a way to top
off the day's events! Like we said, pure pandemonium.
|
The kids get their chance to impress the crowds
|