Half Marathon retains title status
By DAVE POE, dpoe@newsandsentinel.comPARKERSBURG — Parkersburg has extended its undefeated streak with the Road Runners Club of America.
Ever since Parkersburg placed its initial bid for the 2004 race with the nation’s largest running club to conduct its national half marathon championship, it has been successful each and every year.
This year is no exception as the RRCA recently awarded the News and Sentinel Half Marathon its national championship for 2009.
The announcement —greeted with joy by those who sponsor and conduct the race —came during the RRCA’s national convention in Cincinnati last weekend.
“We were anxiously waiting,’’ said race director Chip Allman. “The RRCA never tells you how many bidders there are. All they do is announce the winner.’’
Allman had submitted the requisite paperwork several months ago. Once that dutiful task is completed, all race organizers can do is wait and hope.
“This reaffirms that Parkersburg puts on a great race,’’ said Art Smith, who serves as its logistics director.
Parkersburg had a large contingent at the RRCA national convention. In addition to Allman and his wife Marchell, also attending were local RRCA representative Tom Kramer, Lou and Linda Molinaro and Joe Corra.
Allman used the convention to participate in the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati, during which he and the other members of the Parkersburg group handed out hundreds of fliers promoting the local race, which will be conducted on Saturday, Aug. 16, during the annual Parkersburg Homecoming weekend.
Allman already has secured five elite runners for this years race, including Jason and Marian Pyles of Huntington.
He’s particularly pleased that Kenyan Gideon Mutisya, who has dominated the Charleston Distance Run in recent years, will be appearing at this year’s Parkersburg race.
Allman can be quite selective in which elite runners he invites here. Last year’s field included 20 male runners who had completed a half marathon in one hour, five minutes or less. This year’s field is shaping up to be just as strong.
Registration is available on online at www.newsandsentinel.com. Runners can register online or download an entry form. Applications soon will be available at many locations throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley.
In addition to registration for the half marathon, it also is available for its accompanying events, the 2-Miler, junior races and Tiny Tot Trot.
