Sunday, March 21, 2004 -- Grafton, WV
Grafton 5 Mile Run (iPO Event Id#: 6001)
Story and photos by Julie Black

[Details] [Coverage]
[Overall Results] [Results by Class]
Pictures: [Set 1] [Set 2] [Set 3] [Set 4] [Set 5]

The kids race in Grafton

Once again, Mother Nature proved that spring, is truly only a fling thing. A few quick glimpses of sun gave way to a day full of wind, snow, and temperatures in the low. But the chilly weather is a common occurrence at the Grafton 5 Miler, and the show went on as it always does.

After all, this race is the first in the 2004 Clarksburg Area Race Series. So, the competition is just getting started. Many racers and volunteers were sporting their Grafton High School Bearcat Track shirts and sweatshirts, and friendly race director, Eva Robinson, was on the scene with a smile on her face and awards in tow.

The 5 Mile Starts

The kids were first to run down Main Street. The sidewalks were lined with proud parents and grandparents cheering on the young racers. The tots were trotting their way to a fine finish, where everyone's a winner and the proud owner of a racer's medal.

The 5 Mile Race had participants running against the wind, but that didn't seem to slow down the first two from Philippi, WV who crossed the line. Twenty-one year old, Ben Bolock, took the first place trophy home with a fast time of 25:58. Jed Perko, (27:42) who's also from Philippi, received second and Scott Johnson of Elkins rounded out the tops spots with a time of 28:01.

The walkers get rolling

Uniontown, PA racer Tammy Shell, was the first female to finish with a time of 33:10. Amber Riley (33:47), of Bruceton Mills, WV took second place for the ladies, while Shelly Ralston (34:32), from Masontown, PA snatched third.

The walkers started their race during a -white squall." As the snow started to fall, the walkers made their way up Main Street into the wind. The first one back was Craig Baer of Fort Hill, PA with a time of 16:35. Scott Carr (18:26) of Fairmont, WV took second, and Mike Burns (19:29), finished third overall.

Good times in Grafton

It may have been chilly outside, but racers were able to warm up in the Elk Lodge for the awards ceremony. Cookies, fruit, and drinks were provided. This race had excellent support from its volunteers, and professional race timing. Kudos to everyone who had a hand in its success for 2004!

We hope to see you there next year!