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Saturday, April 17, 2010 -- Morgantown, WV
Earth Day 5K Run & Walk - MAGP #2 (iPO Event Id#: 12637)

[Details] [Coverage] [Photos] [Overall Results] [Results by Class] [2008] [2009]

Impact E.A.R.T.H. and 5K Celebrate Earth Day

Story and Photos by J.R. Petsko

Earth Day is a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment. It was founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in held on April 22, 1970.

Earth Day 5K photo by J.R. Petsko
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Now thirty years later from the original Earth Day, this awareness day grows bigger and bigger every year with the growing environmental concerns of the world.

In Morgantown, West Virginia, the 3rd annual Earth Day 5K, part of Impact E.A.R.T.H. (Environmental Awareness and Respecting Tomorrow's Home), reminded folks that they can make a difference in their own world and have a grand old time by taking part in the run.

BoPARC, the Monongalia County Solid Waste Authority, Morgantown Utility Board, The Dominion Post, and the West Virginia University Office of Sustainability sponsored the day's activities.

At the starting line more then 100 competitors readied themselves for the out and back course. The route used the Deckers Creek Rail Trail, with its slight grade going out and the return trip with a downgrade made for a fast finish.

Earth Day 5K photo by J.R. Petsko
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As the runners took off in the mass start, the women were not planning on waiting for the men.

Debbie Conner and Rebecca White took to the front of the pack. As the race progressed, Mark Zinn, Jeremy Farnham, Dave Rogers and twelve year old Seth Edwards worked their way up to the front while the two leading women battled neck and neck.

On the return trip back to the finish, it was Zinn and Edwards running stride for stride.

The twelve year old (Seth Edwards) made quite an impression, but at the line it was Zinn taking the win in a time of 18:59.6, followed by Edwards in 19:07.9.

Third place went to Jeremy Farnham who crossed the finish in 19:14.4. Dave Rogers finished fourth in 19:27.1 and fifth for the men was Michael Levy.

It was a nail biter all the way to the end in the women's race for top spots. Debbie Conner crossed he line first in 19:42.08, with Rebecca White in second with a time of 20:13.9.

Earth Day 5K photo by J.R. Petsko
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Third overall for the females was Britt Ritchie in 22:04, fourth was Kriston Appleton in 22:19, and fifth went to Dawn Rogers who crossed the line in 23:21.1.

After the race, Impact E.A.R.T.H. had activities for everyone including attractions that featured a community-wide cleanup, environmental education booths, live music performed by local band The New Relics and Brian Porterfield, and lots more.

It was a great way to celebrate Earth Day and raise awareness. Registration fees for the 5K went to fund a small grant program for community environmental projects.


The 2010 Morgantown Area Grand Prix (MAGP) Series is presented by the Morgantown Roadrunners/WV Track Club.

Don't miss the next MAGP Series events, Parent's Place 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, April 24.

On May 1 join us for the 6th annual Cheat Fest 5K Run and Walk. Race entry fee includes Free Admission to the 16th Annual Cheat River Festival! All profits from this event go to the Preston Rail Trail Committee, a local group of citizens dedicated to converting abandoned rail road corridors into safe walking/biking trails in Preston County.