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Friday, July 3, 2009 -- Charleston, WV / Haddad Riverfront Park
Independence 5K Run & Walk - Spring/Summer Speed Series #4 (iPO Event Id#: 11901)

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Over 220 Racers Enjoy Great Weather, Good Times

Article and photos by J.R. Petsko

Independence 5K Photo by J.R. Petsko
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Everyone loves the Fourth of July, fireworks, hot dogs, family, and friends. What's not to love? I had the pleasure this year of covering the Independence 5k in downtown Charleston.

The event was the last race in the 4-race Spring/Summer Speed Series. Held at Haddad Riverfront Park, it was held in conjunction with the cities holiday festivities. Before the race, I took in some live music and the great views the park had to offer.

After an hour or so it was time to get down to the business of racing! Close to 230 racers lined up on the out and back course that ran along the river. As the police car pulled away from the start of the race it was pretty clear that these folks didn't take part in the beer and BBQ before the race cause they were flying!

Chuck Dent was out in front was heading to the finish looking strong and holding a commanding lead. Dent finished the flat course in a time of 15:50. He was followed by Patrick Jividen in second with a time of 16:43.

Independence 5K Photo by J.R. Petsko
See more race Photos
Jividen just edged out Bryan Harvey at the line. Each runner finished with the same time. Fourth went to Marshall Spradling with a time of 16:50 and fifth was Adam Coon crossing the line in 17:05.

For the women it was all Christina Azevedo who came through the finish area first in a time of 18:29. Alex Dent came in second with a time of 18:46. Sami Harris did a great job to come in third and charged over the finish line in a time of 18:50. Fourth went to Erica Haynes who finished in 18:57. Hayes was followed by Kristen Gumm in fifth who had a time of 19:39.

What a fun time, I highly recommend this event in 2010, live music, food, brews, the river, and a 5K . . . perfect!