CLARKSBURG -- Graduation finally came for the participants of the 10 Weeks of the 10K program on Tuesday, but their final test will be in Saturday's main event -- the Greater Clarksburg 10K.
Clarksburg 10K race director Carl Hatfield said approximately 60 runners took their diplomas -- t-shirts provided by United Rehab stating "I survived the 10 Weeks to the 10K."
"Every single one of them have registered (for the 10K) and we were able to tell them their race number," Hatfield said.
With the final class, Hatfield said several of the runners were able to complete the two loops in good times despite the heat and humidity.
"One thing we've been telling them is to drink a lot fluids this week," he said. "It's supposed to rain before Saturday so hopefully it will cool things down a little."
One of the benefits of preparing and running in the Clarksburg 10K, Hatfield said, was the chance to run with some of the elite runners in the world.
Two of the top runners coming this year's race is Kenya's Catherine Ndereba and John Korir.
Ndereba is the current two-time Boston Marathon champion and has won the Chicago Marathon, while Korir has won several of the elite road races this year.
n 10K NOTES: Hatfield said runners can register late at the Gaston Caperton Center of Fairmont State College in Clarksburg on Friday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Runners already registered can pick up their race-day packet at this time.
Registration will also be taken on race day until 7:45 a.m. Race day fee is $20.
Assistant sports editor Danny Carpenter can be reached at 626-1444 or by e-mail at dcarpenter@exponent-telegram.com.
