Saturday, June 2, 2001 -- Morgantown, WV
Deckers Creek Trail Half Marathon (iPO Event Id#: 3151)
Story and photos by Julie Black

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

Racing on the happy trails from Masontown to Morgantown

"The Tale of The Trail"

In 1991, The Mon River Trails Conservancy (MRTC), a non-profit, volunteer group was formed to build public support for the purchase and development of an abandoned rail corridor along the Monongahela River and Decker's Creek in north central West Virginia.

Since then, the MRTC has been extremely successful at gaining public support, acquiring grants for trail construction, and providing outdoor recreation enthusiasts with miles of recreational opportunities. To celebrate National Trails Day and the MRTC's 10th Anniversary, "Trail Mix 2001" took place at the Hazel Ruby McQuain Riverfront Park in Morgantown, WV.

This full day of events included food, live music, raffles, nature walks, in-line skating demos, and to kick it ALL off, the Deckers Creek Trail Half Marathon, nick named… 2001 "A Trail Odyssey". All of the proceeds from then days events went to benefit the Mon River Trails Conservancy (MRTC).

Sure is more fun with company

"Man, I hope I can stay ahead of that guy in the blue shorts." Exclaimed one of the pace bikers at pre-race time, "He looks fast!" That "guy" sporting the blue shorts was Morgantwon, native, Ed Frohnapfel. Flying down the packed gravel 3-5% grade downhill course, Frohnapfel set an awesome pace of 5:16 for the 1/2 marathon. "I thought that maybe I was going too fast at first." He said. Well, he was certainly fast enough to earn himself the overall win with a time of 1:09:06.

The course, which started in Masontown and ended in Morgantown, was a blur of green to Kenny Beerbower and E.J. Linger of Morgantown. Beerbower, who snagged 3rd in the MAGP #2 Race (The Albert Gallatin Regatta 5K), emerged from the wooded trail in 2nd place in 1:12:42. Linger (1:13:23), who can be seen training on the trail day after day, finished a strong 3rd to round out the top spots.

Finishing a whopping 6th overall and 1st for the women, Laura Murphy ran the 13 + miles in 1:20:39. At 15th overall , Theresa Fogg of Morgantown (1:26:24), crossed the line in 2nd. "Pittsburg-itte" Jackie Malley, grabbed the 3rd place spot in 1:28:27, and finished 22nd overall.

A downhill course makes for smiles

With over 140 runners participating, this 1/2 marathon proved to be a success. The "Trail Mix 2001 Festival" was the finish site for the race, with fantastic breads, jucies, and exotic fruits awaiting the runners. This was a great event for a great cause, all in the name of National Trails Day and the MRTC.

The NTD's idea is to unify the vision of Trails for All Americans, a plan to establish a nationwide network of trails and greenways that would bring the trails within 15 minutes of most American homes. "Since its inception in 1993, NTD has grown to over 3,000 events across the country. Over one million participants join the celebration each year to enjoy trail fairs, family hikes, mountain bicycling, equestrian rides, trail dedications, and more." (a quote from the National Trails Day web site).

Race Director Mark Thorne for all of his hard work, and to The Morgantown Road Runners/ WV Track Club for the speedy results!