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Sunday, January 8, 2012 -- Fairmont, WV / Prickett's Fort State Park
Run to Read Half Marathon - Run to Read Triple Crown #1 (iPO Event Id#: 13445)

2012: [Details] [Coverage] [Photos] [Overall Results] [Results by Class]

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Series Off to a Record Breaking Start

Story and photos by Julie Black.

The Triple Crown 2012 Series (www.iplayoutside.com/Running/R2R/) kicked it off with more than 155 men and 145 women signing up to compete in the series this year.

Run to Read
Run to Read fans have fun
What caused the incredible increase in numbers from last year? Race and series director, Jim Woolfitt, thought that the mild winter weather certainly didn't hurt.

The series began with the infamous half marathon. More than 300 participants enjoyed the sunny day and scenic course along the Monongahela River. The Run to Read Half Marathon - Triple Crown #1 had participants from 12 different states. The location, Prickett's Fort State Park in Fairmont, WV, is just 20-30 minutes outside of Morgantown, WV. The historical park has events that go on all year long.

The races in the series benefit Literacy Volunteers of Marion County (LVMC). The United Way agency provides free tutoring to adults and children in basic reading, math, English as a second language, GED preparation, computer basics and related subjects.

Run to Read
Marco Dozzi (#372) leads the pack
WDTV channel 5 was there to report at the start. With over 300 runners, there was bound to be some though competition for the overall top spots in both the men and women's categories.

Former Allegheny track and field star, Marco Dozzi, lead from start to finish in the half marathon. The 26 year old Pennsylvanian held his 5:22 pace and finished first overall with a time of 1:10:23.

David McCollam, a local from nearby Bridgeport, WV, also lead the pack the entire race. McCollam (1:12:29 ) earned second place overall honors. Thomas Johnson drove 4 hours from Virginia to run the half marathon. He beat out William Snoberger to cross the line in third with a time of 1:18:05.

Erika Rucker has run for Wheeling Jesuit University. In 2009 she placed 5th in the 1500m at the WVIAC Track and Field Championships. Rucker finished 32nd overall and lead as the first female all the way to the finish, completing the race with a time of 1:32:58.

Run to Read
Meghan gives the thumbs up
Sue Heavner, currently leading the Run to Read Triple Crown Series, also holds the Female Masters course record for the Run to Read 5K (23:40 in 2011). Heavner also took top honors in the half marathon, finishing as the second overall female (1:36:51).

Molly Racenberg (Virginia) and Theresa Neiderer (Maryland) finished within one minute of each other. It was Racenberg who finished in third with a time of 1:38:51.

After the event racers were treated to hot chili, cookies, and more. Special thanks to Marion County Parks and Recreation for all of their help and to Miles of Smiles professional timing services for the results.


More Run to Read Races in May

Don't miss the last two races in there series happening on May 12, 2012, The Run to Read 5K and 15K. Registration for these events is now open. This is the last year for the 15K distance as it is being changed to a 10K in 2013.