Alina Boshchuk, a native of Ukraine and a resident of Williamsburg, Va., turned in a time of 1:25:40 to win the female division of the half marathon portion during Saturday’s Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon and Two-Mile. (Photo by Kerry Patrick)

PARKERSBURG — In the sport of running marathons, Alina Bushchuk is batting a thousand.

The 25-year-old native of Ukraine who moved to Williamsburg, Va., two years ago, competed in her first half-marathon road race and produced a winning margin of three-plus seconds during Saturday’s Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half-Marathon.

“The course is good, it was up and down here – but I like it,” said the 25-year-old Bushchuk, who covered the 13.1-mile course in a time of 1:25:40.

“Because in Ukraine it’s a little different. It’s more hilly here. There is a little bit of elevation in Ukraine. The (air) feels much heavier here.”

A familiar name to the field returned but did not make her decision official until the final hour when she decided to sign up for the event on Friday. Competing for the first time since winning her second straight News and Sentinel half-marathon last year, Jenny Brewer of St. Marys. At 31 years of age, she was elated to take second in a time of 1:29:01.

“‘I’ve been injured for the past year, so this is my first race back- I’m just thrilled to get across the finish line,” Brewer said. “I feel healthy, feel good. I’m happy.

“I just kind of started back into full time, maybe two months ago. I’m excited to be racing again.”

Boshchuk was never really challenged. Her decision to enter the race basically came on a whim. She has never competed in a marathon race of any degree.

“I just wanted to see what I can do,” Boshchuk said. “I started a little bit slower because I didn’t know what the course would feel like. But it was good. On the course, I especially like the music and the people cheering. It was cool.”

As for Brewer, the comfort zone between second and third place resembled first and second. Brewer picked off a few male runners here and there to keep up her pace.

“I had a nasty foot injury that took a long time to rehab,” Brewer said. “I’m a (physical therapist), so it’s strange not to understand your own body. But once you figure it out, it all starts going according to plan.

“My time was a minute slower than last year, but just happy that I finished and I’m not injured – so I am thrilled,” Brewer said. ”

In her last five races at the News and Sentinel half-marathon, Brewer owns three titles and two second-place finishes. Rounding the top three was Marietta’s Abbie Choleva (1:30:13).

“This year was just a random thing,” Brewer added. “I signed up yesterday because I thought, why not? You might as well start your race season here.

“A little cash is always great.”

Among the half-marathon walkers, Vienna’s Katherine Mader (2:41.59) placed first followed by Pennsboro’s Kathy Rupert (2:50:41) and Rachel Cunningham (2:55:03).