Saturday, July 29, 2000 -- Clarksburg, WV
Greater Clarksburg 10K
Story and photos by Julie Bertsch

[Details] [Coverage]
Results: [O/A 1-300] [301-630] [O/A & F Age Grps] [M Age Grps]
Pictures: [Set 1] [Set 2] [Set 3] [Set 4] [Set 5] [Set 6] [Set 7] [Set 8] [Set 9]
[Set 10] [Set 11] [Set 12] [Set 13] [Set 14] [Set 15] [Set 16] [Set 17] [Set 18] [Set 19] [Set 20]
[1998 Coverage] [1999 Coverage]

A captivating start for the 2000 Greater Clarksburg 10K

The city of Clarksburg is known as the birthplace of Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson, but it's also known for hosting one of the most popular 10K's in the mountain state. This new millennium marked the 4th year for the Greater Clarksburg 10K. Race Director and formal National Marathon Champion, Carl Hatfield, has been promoting good health and overall wellness to the citizens and friends of North Central West Virginia through this event since 1996.

Offering prize money to the top winners totalling nearly $20,000, the Clarksburg 10K has attracted elite runners from all over the world.

Having fun in the Kid's Run

It seemed as if the entire city lined the streets with their lawn chairs in the pleasant 69 degree morning weather, waiting anxiously for the runners to hit the pavement, and head up Main Street. The 6.2 mile, rolling course, lead participants through the residential areas, and downtown on a two loop course.

There were no immediate leaders when the pack broke loose at the end of the first loop. The lead cars and motorcycles had to speed up to keep ahead of the Kenyan's, who were gaining on their tail pipes fast.

Heather Bury smiles as she heads for the finish line

Motoring at a blistering, 4:34 pace during the 2nd 5K loop, Reuben Cheruiyot of Kenya, stayed seconds ahead of fellow countryman, John Gwako, to take the overall win with a time of 28:57.

Running away with 1st for the women was Naomi Wangui(33:36), of Kenya.

The first Americans to finish were Jeff Campbell of North Carolina, and Kentucky native, Jimmy Hearld, who rounded out 11th and 12th overall.

Yes, thank you all for coming

The first West Virginia runner to fly across the line was none other than Nitro native, Mikey Guinn, who finished 22nd overall. Some of Guinn's latest wins in WV for 2000 include the Great Teays 5K, The Cooper's Rock 10K, and The Run Forrest...Run!

Taking 6th overall for the women in Clarksburg was Heather Bury of Morgantown, West Virginia. This track star has been quite a busy runner this year. Barely recovering from the 10K on Saturday, Bury mustered up the strength to run on Sunday evening in the Gene's 4 Mile Run for Special Olympics at Morgantown. She finished 11th overall and captured the top women's spot with a time of 24:52.

Cash Sirois of WBOY TV-12 gets WVOutside on camera

After the race was almost over, it was time for the little guys and gals to lace up and trot down Main Street. A crown of happy parents, and grandparents watched intently as kids of all ages made their way to the finish line.

There was a slew of media coverage, as cameras from WBOY and ESPN ran around to get all of the angles, and action. Racers even enjoyed a large post race party, and massages. I've asked around, and many would agree, that it just doesn't get any better than the Clarksburg 10K.

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Special Thanks... to Carl Hatfield, and Mark Courtney of Runner's High.