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Saturday, June 11, 2011 -- Fairmont, WV / Marion County Adult Ed Center
Run to Read 15K - Run to Read Triple Crown #2 (iPO Event Id#: 13180)

2011: [Details] [Coverage] [Photos] [Overall Results] [Results by Class]

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Run to Read Race Series Continues in 2012

Story and photos by Julie Black.

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This event has been around for quite a long time, eleven years to be exact. The 5K and 15K races combined attract more than 160 participants, but the series, just added this year, is in its infancy.

Continuing in 2012, the Run to Read Triple Crown Series is 3-races, all in the Fairmont area of West Virginia. It includes a half-marathon (January), 15K (May or June), and 5K (May or June). The Run to Read Half Marathon is on January 8, 2012. Technical shirts will be given to those who finish all 3 events, so sign-up today.

The 15K Run started first, early as always, and the weather was cool . . . for a while that is. Daniel Murphy, of nearby Morgantown, WV was the overall winner with a time of 1:00:41.

Run to Read Photo by Julie Black
Local Brian Menzies of Fairmont had Christopher Pirie nipping at his heels in the last 50 years. Menzies held out and came in second with a time of 1:01:30. Pirie followed 4 seconds later to cross for third.

Laura Mason drive took the first place women's prize home to Buckhannon, WV. Her time of 1:05:30 earned her 8th overall. Also from Buckhannon, Katie Kuba (1:09:48) was the 2nd woman and 13th overall.

Morgantown's Sue Heavner crossed as the 3rd woman and 15th overall in 1:10:37.

Morgantowners took the top two spots in the 5K run. Sterling Snyder run for the first with a time of 17:11. Travis Cyphert claimed second in 17:16. Neil Bland (17:53) of Fairview, WV was third.

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Emma Harrison of Mannington was the first woman to finish, claiming 8th overall with a time of 21:05. Just like in the 15K, Katie Kuba took the second woman's place in the 5K with a time of 23:03. Also crafting a repeat was Sue Heavner, who took home the third place women's prize in the 15K and 5K.

After the race, participants were treated to lots of cookies, fruit, sports drinks, water, and hot dogs. Plus, participants and their families were able to swim for free at two city pools if they chose to do.

Special thanks to Marion County Parks and Recreation for all their help. Thanks to the Marion County Police Reserves and the Fairmont City Police Department who provided traffic control. All proceeds went to benefit the Literacy Volunteers of Marion County, a United Way agency.