Friday, June 29, 2007 -- Charleston, WV / Haddad Riverfront Park
Independence Day Celebration Race (iPO Event Id#: 10102)
2007: [Photos] [Details] [Coverage] [Overall Results] [Results by Class]

Coverage: [2005] [2006]

Story and photos by George Gannon

Independence Day Celebration Race photo by George Gannon

The Independence Day Celebration Race is quickly becoming a highlight of the Kanawha Valley racing circuit. The 5K run and 2-mile walk takes races along a flat, fast course the stretches from Haddad Riverfront Part, to the State Capitol and back. The course follows Kanawha Boulevard a showcases some of the Capitol City's most storied homes and landmarks.

While the scenery might have been nice, the race conditions could have been a little more forgiving. A day of rain showers and gray clouds had the city sweltering by early evening Friday and the humidity was almost palpable. When racers are dripping with sweat before the guns sounds, you know it's sticky.

Even with the heat the humidity, Holly Rooper might have been the hottest number on the street. Rooper, 17, who runs track and Cross Country and Winfield High School, took the top spot for the ladies, crossing the finish line in 21:27.

Independence Day Celebration Race photo by George Gannon

Rooper got out fast and never looked back, winning her division by a full minute. "It's a fun course," she said. Friday's race was her first time on the that course.

Coming in second was Laurene Johnson (22:27). Rounding out the top three was Cathy Hill (23:09)

For the men, Larry Taylor came up from Fayette County and did what he had to do, taking the top spot at 16:53. Andrei Volik (17:09) and Eric Ford (17:28), rounded out the top three.

Following the race, participates were treated to a Live on the Levee performance, and, thankfully, some cool drinks.