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Saturday, March 28, 2009 -- Charleston, WV / Kanawha City
Joker 4 Mile Run & 2 Mile Walk - Spring/Summer Speed Series #1 (iPO Event Id#: 11861)

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

Destruction During Race, No Joke

Story and photos by George Gannon

Joker photo by George Gannon
A good showing at the Joker Run
Those who competed in and attended Saturday's Joker 4 Mile Run and 2 Mile Walk the Kanawha City neighborhood of Charleston can be forgiven if they were little distracted. Just a few miles down the road in South Charleston, throngs of people were lined up to watch the implosion of a multi-story office building.

They say the controlled destruction was something to see, but the show was just as good at the first event in the Spring/Summer Speed Series.

On a misty, cloudy day, 72 runners and walkers lined up to take on a flat, fast course that snakes along the Kanawha River. About a half mile into the race, Charleston resident Marshall Spradling took the lead and never gave it back.

Although he's preparing for an upcoming marathon in North Carolina, Spradling (22:56) said the Joker Run was his first race of 2009. Coming in second was Robert Boston (24:00). Rounding out the top three was Larry Taylor (24:21).

Joker photo by George Gannon
Smiles all around
For the ladies, Erin Dilly (26:02) took the top spot and tenth overall. Sami Harris (28:39) and Jessica Campbell-Grooves (29:39) finish second and third, respectively.

While there may not have been anything as dramatic as building falling in on itself, plenty of runners and walkers enjoyed the race.

The Spring/Summer Speed Series consists of four races, with the next one coming up on May 15. Join us for a night race (starts at 6:30 pm) at the Sundown Showdown Run & Walk at Magic Island.

Charleston, West Virginia 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. Those places that do require a car trip are quick and easy to get to. Visit http://www.charlestonwv.com/ for more information.