Saturday, May 14, 2011 -- Charleston, WV / Cross Lanes, WV, Doc Bailey Road
Poca River 15K Road Race (iPO Event Id#: 13211)

2011: [Details] [Coverage] [Photos] [Overall Results]

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Runners Race on Country Roads

Story and photos by Daniel Todd.

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Sun and humidity greeted runners at one of the Metro Vally's best road races. The Poca River 15K Road Race is a scenic run through farms that hug the Poca River. Gently rolling asphalt keeps runners challenged on this 9.3 mile loop.

The 121 member field launched across the starting line quickly crossing the first of three bridges on the course. Runners entered the humid green tunnel created by one of West Virginia's wettest Aprils. As the race clock clicked Brian Floyd took control creating a four minute gap on a chase pack of four runners.

Brian held on to his four minute lead all the way to the finish line with a 52:55 lap. Scott Workman and Josh Holley pulled away from the chase pace and sprinted to the finish clocking a 59:50 and 59:51 with Workman out kicking Holley at the line.

One of the valley's fastest females, Marie Busienei took a wrong turn early opening up the race for Megan Truelove who cruised to a 1:03 finish and a first female overall win.

Mirroring the men's finish, Monica Arnold and Diana Johnson were separated by 3 seconds at the finish. Arnold had a little more gas in the tank leading Johnson to the finish with times of 1:10:11 and 1:10:14, respectively.

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The masters title was taken by Eric Migernier and Cathy Hill. Migernier time of 1:00:52 was 5th overall and Hill's 1:15:44 was the 4th fastest female time. The heavyweight title went to to Tom Samples with a 1:12:31.

There were four runners in their 70's competing on Saturday. Seventy-four year old, Richard Finney was the oldest competitor and snapped off a 1:23:26 at a 8:57 min/mile pace, which placed him 2nd in the male 65 and older group.

This race has a great history, but even a brighter future. Race director, Kelly McGraw and Tallman Track Club Timer, WK Munsey have made small changes making Poca River the spring road race to run in the valley.

Be sure to add this run to your 2012 race calendar. To find other great races in the Metro Valley and the rest of the tri-state search iPlayOutside's extensive multi-sport event calendar.