PARKERSBURG—Baltimore native Phobe Ko was so impressed with the way the News and Sentinel Half Marathon was run during her first visit 12 months ago, that the 26-year runner elected to add it to her list of races for this year.
After winning the Road Runners Club of America’s American title for the second year in a row, she’s glad she did.
“This is such a great race,” said Ko, who crossed the finish line in 1 hour, 17 minutes and 43 seconds. “I told Chip (Allman) last year that I hoped he would include me as one of his elites this year and he did.”
A decision that both runner and race organizer are happy they made.
Ko captured her first American title last year when she covered the 13.1-mile race in 1 hour, 19 minutes and 6 seconds, edging out Becki Michael for the crown by 1 minute and 44 seconds. The margin of victory wouldn’t be as close in 2009.
Taking advantage of running in a pack with eventual overall champion Hellen Jemutai, Ko cruised to a 69- second win over 34-year old Sarah Flament, who captured the top American honors at the Ogden 20K earlier this year.
“I knew if I could stay with the lead pack that I would have a good chance to win,” explained Ko. “I was able to stay with them until the five mile mark and that really helped today.”
Finishing third was Becki (Michael) Ordway in a time of 1:22:17. In fact it was a day for thirds for the Ordway family as Josh, Becki’s husband of less than a month, placed third in the American men’s race.
Winning her first Masters title was 45-year old Albina Gallymova. The Russian, who had run the race one other time in 1993, beat out 44-year old Tammy Slusser—the 2005 winner—by more than five minutes, covering the distance in 1 hour, 20 minutes and 14 seconds.
“This is a very good race,” said Gallymova. “I don’t remember a lot from that first race, but I do remember how much the people cheered and they did that again today.”
Winning her second straight Grand Masters race, and breaking her own course record, was 51-year old Lee DiPietro from Ruxton, Maryland.
“I’ve enjoyed coming to Parkersburg over the years,” said DiPietro, who finished in a time of 1:25:39. “It was a little humid, but the water stops helped out a lot and the people here are always so friendly and helpful.”
Second place in the division went to Vincent, Ohio, resident Jocelyne Majoy (1:33:20), who also took home the top prize in the Wood/Washington County division.
