Wednesday, July 4, 2001 -- Morgantown, WV
Spirit & Breath Challenge 10K (MAGP #3) (iPO Event Id#: 3175)
Story by John Nesbitt with additional photos by Erin Devitt

[Details] [Coverage]
[Overall Results] [Results by Class]
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] [1999 Coverage] [2000 Coverage]

Attacking the uphill start in the one-mile race

In its 22 years the Spirit and Breath Challenge (formerly the BOPARC 10K) was the first event in Morgantown's Fourth of July celebrations. The 10K, along with a 5K race, were run on paved roads throughout Morgantown with the 10k actually going through Marilla Park in Sabraton.

This race was sponsored by the Comprehensive Lung Cancer Program of the Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, and the Alliance for Lung Cancer Advocacy, Support and Education (ALCASE) and supports lung cancer treatment and prevention. The 10K race was also the third leg of the Morgantown Area Grand Prix Series with the next being the Brew Pub Twilight 5 Mile Trail Race.

In the 5K run Morgantown's own E.J. Linger ran away with the victory finishing in first place by almost a minute over second place finisher Josh Simpson. Simpson, from Chester WV, finished in a time of 18:44. Chasing him throughout the run was Seth Hauser, also of Chester, who finished in a time of 18:52.

Taking the Spirit and Breath Challenge

On the women's side Ryann Metheny of Elkins captured first place in a time of 23:06. Grantsville, Maryland's Sarah Morgan crossed the finish line for second in a time of 23:52.

For those seeking more of a challenge than the 3.1 mile hilly run provided, the 10K was up to the task. First to cross the finish line was Justin Simpson, another runner from the large Chester clan, with a time of 34:03. According to Simpson, he had promised himself that he wouldn't run the race again after last year's brutal conditions. However, Simpson did show up and he certainly wasn't complaining about the results.

Ben Lukowski, a former St. Albans track star crossed second with a time of 34:13. Third went to Mike Guinn from Phillippi, WV with a time of 34:37.

Ed Fronhapfel wins one for the masters

On the women's side finishing first (9th overall) was Heather Bury, a former WVU track star who now runs for Saucony and PowerBar, with a time of 38:23. Crossing second for the women was Julie Warner with a time of 43:13 and third place went to Maria Stover with a time of 43:59.

Amongst the many walkers who came out for the 5K event Terry Horn and Peggy Thomas were the first man and woman to cross the finish line both representing the great state of Pennsylvania.

The last event for the day was the one everyone looked forward to and cheered the most, the 1-mile kids run. This race featured many future track stars that are already turning heads with their blazing speed. Coming in first in a amazing time of 7:04 was Morgantown's Chip Mathla. The first girl to cross was Michelle Lemani in a time of 7:18.