Saturday, June 1, 2002 -- Kanawha City, WV
Run with a Cop 5K Run/Walk (iPO Event Id#: 4751)
Story and photos by Ariana Kincaid

[Details] [Coverage]

Pictures: [Set 1] [Set 2] [Set 3] [Set 4] [Set 5]
[1999 Coverage] [2000 Coverage] [2001 Coverage]

Run with (or after) a Cop

In the shadow of CAMC Memorial Division, at the WVU Medical Building, just off 31st Street in Kanawha City, runners and walkers gathered for the Annual Run with a Cop 5k Run/Walk. Nary a doughnut joke was heard, as the men in blue were there to raise money for the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics and the Kanawha County Special Olympics.

The flat and fast course -- an out-and-back course on Virginia and Kanawha Avenues -- takes competitors under the 35th Street Bridge, between MacCorkle Avenue and the Kanawha River. It was a hot and sunny morning, but that didn't keep the die-hards away, including Larry Taylor, who came to defend his title.

Kelly McGraw is back
and in winning form

The field was deep with fast runners, but in the end, the 41-years-young Taylor bested them all, with a time of 16:01, 23 seconds off of his previous year's winning time, and the course record. Behind him was forty-three year-old Glenn "With Two N's" Baldwin, at 16:59, just barely besting Jamie Blair, bringing it in at a respectable 17:01.

The first female finisher, coming back after a year off to once again claim victory, was Kelly McGraw, 30, with a time of 19:12. Not far behind her was the colorfully outfitted Barbara Kuhlmeier, 43, at 19:30. And in Third Place for women overall was Carrie Nyden, at 21:38.

A special award went to Andrew Robinson, who raised over $800 for Special Olympics, the cause for which all were in attendance. Way to go Andrew!

Are we having fun yet?

The Law Enforcement category was competitive, with Donald Hill in third place and John Shannon in second. But Boone County prosecuting attorney Parker Bazzle booked the win.

Several walkers participated, but Bruce Jenson came in first place, with Amy Cadle in second, and Evelyn Stover in third place. Times were also not immediately available.

Special kudos out to those who competed while pushing strollers and wheelchairs. In spite of walking or running for two, these folks kept smiles on their faces the whole way!

Everybody likes to play outside

Even if competitors didn't come away with a trophy, they were likely to come away with SOMETHING of value, as sponsors Dick's Sporting Goods, Balzout, Duff's Ambulance, and Columbia Natural Resources made available all sorts of prizes, including hats and gift certificates, to all who raced and were lucky enough to have their name called.

Special thanks to Pam Anderson and Cpl. J. R. Frazier of the Charleston Police Department for putting on a great race with beautiful t-shirts, super sponsors, and wonderful prizes!