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Saturday, April 24, 2010 -- Morgantown, WV / Jack Roberts Park, First Ward
Parents Place 5K Run/Walk - MAGP #3 (iPO Event Id#: 12551)

2010: [Details] [Coverage] [Photos] [Overall Results] [Results by Class]

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Perfect Day for Parents, Supporters, and Children

Article and photos by J.R. Petsko

Parents Place 5K photo by J.R. Petsko
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I know for most of us it doesn't seem this long, but this past week was the 5th annual Parents Place 5K. In just a few years, this event has become a staple for local runners.

Saturday morning was a beautiful day, as the clouds parted and the temperature was not too cold and not to hot. It was a perfect day for a race! Nearly 100 runners and walkers from the surrounding areas lined the start and prepared for a trip around the First Ward District side of town.

As runners departed from the start, Dennis Fisher went to the front right away. Fisher was followed by a group that included Oliver Rimes, Marc Glass, Pete Alex, and M. Ibrahim. The chase group followed, but Fisher would not be denied on this day. He capped off his wire to win with a time of 18:49.

Second was Pete Alex, crossing the finish in 20:28. Just 30 seconds ahead of third place finisher M Ibrahim. Fourth for the men was Marc Glass finishing in 22:11 and fifth went to Oliver Rimes in 22:28.

Parents Place 5K photo by J.R. Petsko
See more race photos
The women's race was a very tight one. Nineteen-year old Lindsey Wenscler, and thirty something Kelly Zundell came into the finish nearly neck and neck. Wenscler had just enough in her legs to pull away will just a few yards remaining. Her winning time was 21:35, which was also good enough for fourth overall in the run.

Kelly Zundell finished with an impressive second in a time of 21:41, which also gave her fifth overall in the race.

Third was 10-year old, Tashala Turner, with a great time of 23:40. Four minutes behind Tashala was Tammy Turner who finshed in fourth. Kelly Ann Green crossed in fifth (24:51).

Darcy Vest was the fastest out of all the walkers that day, completing the course with a time of 37:12. Second for the female walkers was Laura Christy in 41:29 and third was Emily Levendusky with a time of 47:47. For the men walkers, Jim Bell finished first in 38:40. Behind Bell was Robert Last finishing in 39:23, and Kyle Galw in third at 51:17.

Parents Place 5K photo by J.R. Petsko
See more race photos
It was a great day and a great event at Jake Russell Park. Thanks to Adrian Kettering and everyone who helped put on such a nice event!

This event benefitted Parents' Place (parentsplacewv.org). It's a parent-operated non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing children and supporting their parents.

The teachers at Parents' Place encourage independence and creativity through stimulating physical and cognitive development activities: reading, music, crafts, and playtime. While children attend classes, parents enjoy the opportunity to share parenting experiences and learn from notable speakers on topics ranging from nutrition and finance to local charities and children's activities.

Parents' Place provides parents with a place to socialize while their children attend preschool classes. Children ages 1-5 attend classes taught by experienced and qualified teachers while infants stay with their mother or father in the parents' room.


This event was part of the Morgantown Area Grand Prix (MAGP).

The next event in the series is the 10th Annual Deckers Creek Trail Half Marathon on June 5. All proceeds from the half marathon will be used to help maintain the trail, so donations are greatly appreciated!

The series helps local charitable and community service organizations and causes. View races and rules on the 2010 MAGP Series page.