Friday, July 1, 2011 -- Charleston, WV / (5K Run, 2M Walk) Union Building
Celebrate Independence Race - Spring/Summer Series #4 (iPO Event Id#: 13362)

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

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Staying in Tune for the Summer

Story and photos by Daniel Todd

The first Friday in July in Charleston is about tunes and endurance as Charleston Parks and Recreation holds the final race in the Sping/Summer Series while Fletcher's Grove and The Recipe rocked on the levee.

The atmosphere was festive as runners leaned into the 3.1 mile out and back course. One hundred eighty two runners and walkers joined by one wheel chair racer celebrated freedom with their participation this Independence day weekend.

Will Shaffer cruised to a 16.68.9 finish a solid 30 seconds faster that 2nd place, Matthew Hensley.

Third place overall and top female, Maria Busienei blistered the course with a 18.22.2. The next nearest female finisher was Sara Flecher with a 21.49.7.

I am always impress with the youth that come out to run. This race had 13 competitors that were 14 years old and younger. Six year-old Alex Roberts finished the 5000 meters in stride. This was his second race at this distance.

Also impressive is the number runners competing in a 5k for the first time. The Genesis Training Program (www.wvruncoach.com/genesis-5k-program/), coached by Matt Young, took 16 runners from the couch to 5k in 10 weeks.

Talking about impressive, Richard Finney posted a 25.19.5 in the 70-99 year-old category. That is fast no mater how old you are!

Good music and fast feet are a great way to unwind after a stressful week.

This race wraps up the Spring/Summer Speed Series, but the Winter Series will be back in December.

Special Thanks to the Series Sponsors . . .

Charleston Parks & Recreation

The Charleston Parks & Recreation Department strives to promote the constructive use of leisure time and thereby the social stability of the community and the physical and mental health of individuals by providing facilities, public areas, open spaces and programs which will enhance the quality of life for the citizens of the greater Charleston area.

The City of Charleston

Charleston is a family-friendly city full of great things to see and do for people of all ages. The best part is that in addition to great variety, everything is close by. In fact, you could fill a day with shopping dining and recreation without ever having to get back in your car. And those places that do require a car trip are quick and easy to get to.

Tallman Track Club

This club is an unintentionally nonprofit organization dedicated to training and practice for road racing from 5K to Marathon and beyond. New members are welcome and the only membership qualification is a willingness to sweat, suffer, and persevere. For three decades, the Tallman Track Club has met for practice and training at 5pm at The University of Charleston-heat, cold, rain, sleet or snow notwithstanding.