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Saturday, April 29, 2006 -- Morgantown, WV
Parents Place 5K Run and Walk (iPO Event Id#: 7332)

[Details] [Coverage]
[Overall Results] [Results by Class]
Pictures: [Set 1] [Set 2] [Set 3] [Set 4] [Set 5] [Set 6] [Set 7]

Story and photos by Heather Rau

Photo by Heather Rau
Enjoying the sunny day
What a day for the first annual Parents Place 5K. The morning provided sunny, blue skies, moderate temperatures and a course that suited everyone.

The race began at the Jack Roberts Park located in First Ward, Morgtantown, West Virginia. The course wound through the surrounding neighborhood streets sporting a great mix of flat and gradual accents and descents. Lucas Warner and John Lowther, Tucker County high school students on the track and x-country team, both agreed that the course was fitting for a 5K race.

Photo by Heather Rau
A suitable course for everyone
The top three male finishers crossed the finish line with impressive times. Matt McCarrol of Morgantown took the first place spot with a time of 16:12. Two men from Hendricks, WV took home 2nd and 3rd. Lucas Warner finished behind McCarrol (16:30) in 2nd, and John Lowther (17:30) in 3rd.

The women's top three finishers crossed the line strong with Paula Bridges of Lavale, MD finishing first at 20:14. Currently the 6th overall woman in the Morgantown Area Grand Prix Series (MAGP), Bridges has been seen at many a Morgantown race. Candy Hawks of Morgantown, WV took home second with the time of 21:00. Adrian Kettering of Parents' Place was third with a time of 21:02.

Photo by Heather Rau
The girsl of Pi Beta Phi
Pi Beta Phi sorority of West Virginia University provided a wonderful group of girls for race support. They positioned themselves throughout the course helping with water, course direction, and games with the children. Pi Beta Phi is an active community supporter while attending school here in Morgantown. A big thanks goes out to those ladies.

Kristine Karner of The Morgantown Fun Factory headed up the children's play area. Kristine and Sarah also of The Fun Factory brought along outdoor play activities for the children to use before, after and during the race. Bubbles, blocks, games and face painting were just a few of the additional activities provided. Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, The Fun Factory is located in the Mountaineer Mall. To host your child's birthday party there, call (304) 292-4646. The organization is a non-profit run exclusively by volunteers with the support of donors.

Photo by Heather Rau
Children race at the park
The kid's races proved to be quite the success. Many children participated and celebrated their wins with the whole group at the race awards ceremony enjoying pizza. Thanks to all who attended. Hopefully this event can be included in the MAGP Series, 2007.
About Parents' Place... This non-profit preschool is located in the Wiles Hill area of Morgantown, WV. They're celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. According to Heidi Wiedebusch, race organizer, Parents' Place encourages independence and creativity through stimulating physical and cognitive development activities such as reading, music, crafts, and playtime. While children attend classes, parents enjoy the opportunity to share parenting experiences and learn from notable speakers on topics ranging from nutrition and finance to local charities and children's activities. Heidi was very happy with the morning's events and plans to organize the race again next year.