PARKERSBURG - It was a case of persistence paying off for David Torbett of Marietta, as he captured the championship in the Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon walk Saturday morning.
Torbett, 51, who teaches religion and history at Marietta College, completed the course in 2 hours, 22 minutes and 42 seconds, finishing almost four minutes ahead of second place men's finisher Don Slusser of Wilmerding, Pennsylvania. Torbett said he had come close to winning in several previous attempts before finally achieving the prize on Saturday.
"I've entered for, I think, about seven years or something. First time winning. I've had two second places, and some other finishes, so I'm the Phil Mickelson of the Parkersburg Half Marathon."
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Photo by Jeff Baughan
David Torbett, a Marietta College professor, crosses the finish line to win Saturday’s Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon walkers division.
Torbett said Saturday's cooler, but muggy conditions suited him during his winning walk.
"It was not too hot; it was humid, and I think I was able not to go too fast at the beginning. Just kind of speed up at the end.
"It was a slow time to win this year; partly a matter of who showed up, and who showed up injured. But I showed up, and I was feeling O.K.."
He joined many other competitors in praising the event set-up, and said that the walking event was particularly well supported.
"They've always done a good job. They're good at taking the walking seriously, having the monitors and giving prizes, so you really feel important as a walker. You don't feel second rate."
Seventy-four competitors, ranging in age from 29 to 86, competed in the walk this year.