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Saturday, March 8, 2008 -- Morgantown, WV / Hazel Ruby McQuain Park
Arnold Air Society Run to Remember-MAGP Sprint #1 (iPO Event Id#: 10724)

2008: [Details] [Coverage] [Photos] [Overall Results] [Results by Class]

WVU ROTC photo by Julie Black
This WVU ROTC shows his support by running in his gear
Great Start for the Sprint Series

Article and photos by Julie Black

Rain, sleet, and snow didn't keep over 75 racers away from the 4th annual Arnold Air Society Run to Remember. The race is new to the series this year, but the course was familiar. Starting near the bus depot at Hazel Ruby McQuain Park, the 5Kwas run on the rail-trail, heading out along Deckers Creek.

The 40 Something Top Three

Just as many things perfect with age, so do the male runners of West Virginia. All top three finishers were in the male 40-49 age group.

First at the finish was local Morgantowner, Danny Fink [Photo], of Smarter Endurance Training. Fink lead the 5K out-and-back without contest and kept a fast pace of 5 minute, 11 second miles despite the cold temperatures. His finishing time was 16:03.

One of Fink's most notable wins in recent years was his first overall finish at the 2006 Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race 5K. That race had 2200 finishers. He is also a USA Cycling Certified Coach and a Certified CompuTrainer Coach who provides coaching programs for running, triathlon, and duathlon to all levels of athlete. Read his iPlayOutside article: Developing the Perfect Race Warm-Up.

Kaylyn Harris and Mom photo by Julie Black
Nine-year old Kaylyn Harris chills with her Mom before the race
Last year's overall MAGP male points leader in the Endurance and the Sprint Series, Larry Taylor has returned for another year. Taylor drives the long haul from Fayetteville, WV to Morgantown area races and manages to run in almost every series event. He took second overall with a time of 17:22.

Dr. Murshid Latif, also of Morgantown, WV like Fink, took home the third place prize in 17:36.

Two younger male Pennsylvania runners claimed first in their age groups and the following spots in overalls: fourth, Brian Suter, and fifth, Jesse Irwin.

Two Sarahs and a Sue

The top three female overall spots were dominated by S-named women. Young Sarah Ray of Fairmont, WV strided for first overall in 20:21. Two Morgantown women claimed second and third. Sarah Burgess was second in 21:17 and Sue Heavner took home third with a time of 21:37.

Fourth overall for the women went to 9-year old Kaylyn Harris of Reedsville, WV. Harris was the overall women's points leader in the 2007 MAGP Sprint Series. The Kingwood Elementary fourth grader also competed in the A.A.U. National Cross Country Championship in Virginia Beach, VA according to prestonrun.com.

The chilly wind continued relentlessly throughout the entire race. At its end, racers took shelter in the warm depot where snacks and awards were provided.

About The Race Organizer/Beneficiary - The Arnold Air Society is a professional, honorary service organization advocating the support of aerospace power. The service aspect is perhaps the foremost in the mind of many members, because of the society's continuing contributions to campuses, communities, and the corps+but it should always be remembered that their primary mission is to improve ourselves as future Air Force officers.


March MAGP Series News

2008 MAGP Series

This year's 2008 MAGP title sponsor for both series is Dynamic Physical Therapy. Look for future articles about training and injury prevention from them on iPlayOutside. Visit one of their four offices in Westover, Fairmont, Jane Lew, and Mannington, WV.

New overall series supporting sponsor this year, We-Shred Document Shredding & Storage Company is presently offering a 30-day rick free trail of their services. Check them out and look for them to race at area MAGP and WVMBA series races.

Don't miss the next Sprint Series event, the Ambulance Chase 5K on Sunday, April 13th (time TBA). This race includes a kid's fun run, a 5K series running race, and a 5K fun walk. Please stay after the race for a cook-out and the awards under the shelter of the Krepps Park pavilion. Door prizes will be given away!