Volunteers, runners and spectators jammed the streets Saturday morning as the Fourth Annual Greater Clarksburg 10K got under way.
The event officially started at 8:30 a.m., but many arrived an hour early to take part in an event which has drawn national recognition. Last year, the race was rated the No. 2 10K race in the United States by many running publications. This year's event was taped by ESPN Sports and will be aired at a later date.
The Kenyan runners once again dominated the race, winning the men's and women's competition. Reuben Cheruiyot won the men's competition, while Naomi Wangui took the women's division.
Clarksburg Mayor David Kaites said the event helps bring the Clarksburg community more recognition and helps form a bond between the runners and the city.
"This has such a tremendous impact on the city and it brings so much cohesiveness the all the people and our community leaders," Kaites said. "It's really something everyone looks forward to each year.
"You see a lot of smiles on a lot of faces and it's really something positive. I'm quite sure economically it makes a big impact on our city. This is something I hope we'll see here for a long time and I think there's no doubt it will get even better."
Race chairman Larry Mazza said this year's Clarksburg 10K ran without much difficulty. Conditions were ideal for running with temperatures in the low 70s.
"This one probably went as smooth as anyone we've ever had," Mazza said. "The field was great and we're looking forward to next year.
"It's hard to believe it's going to be our five-year anniversary, so we're hoping to make it pretty special."
Staff writer Mike Nutter can be reached at 626-4443.
