The Schedule
6:30 to 8:55am Registration
7:30 am 15K Run
9:00 am 5K Run
Race Walk
Fun Run
10:00 am Hash Run
The Location
Marion County Adult Education Center (the former Fifth Ward/ White School)
601 Locust Avenue, Fairmont, WV
(near Fairmont State College; 15 minutes from I-79; parking at nearby businesses, Lab Corp and Laughlin & Wade)
The Events
15K Run: two loops, mostly on side streets with water stops near 1, 2, 5, 6, & 7 mile marks. Last year's course with minor changes to flatten the course.
5K Run: two loops through residential neighborhood, passing by Fairmont Senior High School and Fifth Street Playground. Same as before.
2½K Race Walk and Fun Run: one loop of 5K course
The Details
*Internet coverage by iplayoutside.com
* Traffic control by Marion Co. Police Reserves
* Restrooms at the school
* LOTS of awards, refreshments & door prizes
* Special awards for parent/child teams, teen teams & 20K combo runners; awards for all fun run finishers
* Free swimming after race at city pool
* No extra charge to double enter. No charge for hash run. Special rates for families & early birds.
The History
1999: Will Hunter, a local college cross country runner, and his sister, Holly, a 2 time WV track athlete of the year, won the 5K.
2000: Holly Hunter returned to win the 5K defeating Jessica Taylor, a 4 time WV AA/A h.s. cross country champion. Jessica's father, Larry Taylor, won the 5K and was 2nd in the 15K. Also competing in the 5K & 15K was Jay Urse, who won the boys h.s. AAA title 4 months later.
Although this event welcomes runners of all ages & abilities, many top present & former high school runners have participated in the Run to Read.
The Purpose
All proceeds benefit Literacy Volunteers America of Marion County (a United Way Agency), which provides free tutoring in reading, math, and English as a second language, as well as related services.
