Sunday, August 5, 2001 -- Morgantown, WV
Gene's Run For Special Olympics (MAGP #5) (iPO Event Id#: 3176)
Story and photos by Donald Parks

[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]
[1998 Coverage] [1999 Coverage] [2000 Coverage]

Heading out for a fun time

Gene's Run, always held on a Sunday evening, has been a local favorite since 1987. Lining up for the start of the 2001 race were some familiar faces including 2000 male champion Ed Frohnapfel and the 1999 and 2000 female champion Heather Bury. Heading out onto a warm and muggy 4-mile course, the two Morgantown residents began their bids to repeat as champions.

Right from the start it was the 45-year-old Frohnapfel in front, but 17-year-old Stephen Hiser was with him stride for stride. Eventually Frohnapfel shook Hiser and went on to post a comfortable win with a time of 21:59.

Hiser's bid for second place was tested by a strong finish from 42-year-old Murshid Latif. Latif's best effort landed him in third at 23:11 while Hiser held him off for second at 23:05.

Frohnapfel and Hiser lead from the start

Bury's attempt to three-peat was put to the test by 33-year-old Beth Godwin. While Godwin kept Bury honest, the 26-year-old quickly dispatched of her rival and finished fourth overall behind Latif. The Saucony and PowerBar sponsored runner finished at 23:21 while Godwin took second, seventh overall, at 24:28. Rounding out the top three for the ladies was 34-year-old Julie Warner with a time of 26:22.

For everyone at the finish there was plenty of much needed cold water and fresh fruit. Once rehydrated the generous hosts, Gene's Place, provided a steady supply of cold brew for the 21-and-over crowd. While everyone enjoyed the post race festivities awards and prizes where handed out. It's easy to enjoy this annual event and it's also nice to know that all the proceeds go to support Special Olympics.