Saturday, October 15, 2011 -- Wheeling, WV
Auggie's 5K Run & Walk (iPO Event Id#: 13435)

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

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Frosty Auggie's Race Defends Furry Friends

Photos by Maria af Rolen with story by Jason Chastain.

Auggies 5K photo by Maria af Rolen

It was a crisp, partly sunny October morning that greeted the participants gathered for the 13th annual Auggie's 5K Run and Walk. But the 265 runners and walkers of all ages didn't let that deter them from supporting such a great cause.

Auggie's has been raising money for the Ohio County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for over a decade now.

Some people brought their own leashed dogs to participate, including the photographers with their rescued Border Collie mix. And the dogs certainly didn't let a little cold bum them out as they all got along famously with one another.

Both runners and walkers took to a flat and fast 5K course that ran entirely upon Wheeling's 8.5 mile Ohio River Trail, part of the larger Wheeling Heritage Trail System.

Auggies 5K photo by Maria af Rolen

The Wheeling National Heritage Area preserves and celebrates the city's history, including its role as the birthplace of the state of West Virginia during the Civil War.

Beginning and ending at Warwood Middle School, the participants headed out and back with the runners and walkers heading in opposite directions. The trail itself was beautiful, lined by Autumn-colored trees with the Ohio River flowing by in the background.

The course made for some fast times, with runner Shawn Deal of Bethany WV winning it with a blistering time of 17:53.

Trisha Bush of St. Clairsville Ohio had the best time for the women finishing in a scorching 20:38.

Many families participated in the walk with parents both carrying and carting their kids along for the event. Groups of friends laughed and chatted as they enjoyed the beautiful day.

The few walkers I spoke with all said they had been coming to this event for years and planned on doing so again next year.

The McFaddens participated for the first time and they had a great time and the Huff's of Wheeling were making this a regular event for themselves.

After the race, all the runners and walkers headed inside for some food and the presentation of the trophies. Judging by all the laughter, everyone had a great time for a great cause.

Hopefully next year continues the trend and is even bigger than this one!