PARKERSBURG-While the likelihood of area running fans witnessing one of the Mid-Ohio Valley's own cross the finish line first at the 25th News and Sentinel Half Marathon is slim, that doesn't mean the area won't be well represented when the awards are given at 1 p.m. at the Smoot Theater.
"I believe the Mid-Ohio Valley has a chance to really shine in this year's half marathon," explained race director Chip Allman. "With the talented group of runners that have emerged this year, this should be a great year for the local runners."
Headlining the list of locals expected to challenge for one of the top spots will be Belpre's Amber Hanes as well as Vincent's Jocelyn Majoy.
"I'm pretty nervous, but at the same time excited," explained Hanes. "Chip (Allman) has high expectations and I don't want to let him down."
So sure that Hanes and Majoy will challenge the top runners in their respective age divisions that Allman awarded the duo, as well as former Parkersburg South standout Brian Floyd, elite status for Saturday's 8 a.m. race.
Floyd, the area's top finisher a year ago, covered the 13.1-mile distance in 1 hour, 17 minutes and 17 seconds to place second behind Kenyan Daniel Kipoech (1:07.24) in the 20-24 age division. Marietta's John Hull placed seventh with a time of 1:29:06.
Fans should also look for Dave Miller, John Carter, Eric Stanley and Kevin McCleary to be in the hunt for age group titles.
"With those guys in the race the area should be well represented on the first page of results," said Allman. "But, it is in the women's field where the area could make the biggest impact."
In addition to Hanes, who had an outstanding finish at the Boston Marathon, Majoy, Athens' Yvonne Gilders, Vincent's Christy Brague and Williamstown's Amy Eddy are expected to be in the hunt for age group titles.
"Jocelyn (Majoy) has finished in the top two grandmasters the last two years and is looking for three in a row," added the director. "At 52, she continues to be one of the most dedicated and hardest training females in the area."
Making things a little more difficult for the local standout, however, is the move up to the division by defending masters' champion-and record holder-Ramilia Burangulova.
The Russian captured her second Masters' title last year with a time of 1 hour, 18 minutes and 59 seconds and her 1:17:09 posted in 2003 still remains as the mark to beat in that age division. Also look for three-time champion-and division record holder (1:25:39)-Lee Dipietro to be in the hunt.
But, it is Hanes who Allman feels represents the area's top chance.
"This lady (Hanes) has been on fire since her great showing in Boston," said Allman. "Every time she races she sets a new personnel record and I would be highly surprised if she is not one of the top three American females this year."
Presenting the biggest challenge to Hanes will be 28-year-old Becki Ordway, who placed fourth in the 25-29 age bracket with a time of 1:21:46 in 2010.
"I am hopefully going to be able to locate her (Ordway) at the start and go out with her," explained Hanes. "I know my pace and it will hopefully be good enough for me to stay with her."
As far as the international field for this year's race 2010 men's champion-and course record holder-Julius Kogo (1:02:08) will look to make it two in a row while 2009 women's champion Hellen Jemutai will look to make it a Kenyan sweep and take home the $3,000 cash prize.
Runners and walkers can pick up their packets today from 2-9 p.m. at the Municipal Building and individuals can still register for the half marathon and 2-mile race on Saturday as well as the Junior Races and Tiny Tot Trot which will be held Sunday afternoon at Stadium Field.