"Brave souls" to take to the roads in Jingle Run

Kevin Spradlin
TriStateRunnur.com

FORT ASHBY, W.Va.- Some very brave souls are set to contest the 4th
annual 5K Jingle Run foot race on Dec. 13 beginning at Fort Ashby Primary
School on Dan¹s Run Road.

Race director Linda Tappe said the race¹s first year brought temperatures of
9 degrees and snow and ice on the roads as well as every
moisture-producing spot on the bodies of all 40 official finishers of the
3.1-mile run, which benefits the Frankfort High School cross country program.

The 2005 race was won by Frostburg resident Jaron Hawkins, who was totally
freaking out in the school because he thought he had frostbite,Tappe recalled.

The bad weather didn¹t deter Hawkins from showing up in subsequent years and
winning each of the last two years. And the field of participants has continued to grow.

So no matter what the weather forecast,they¹ll run regardless,Tappe said.

And for a good cause. The firs three years of the event have raised nearly
$6,000 and has helped purchase a race display clock and new tents when the
team travels. The funds also support scholarships to senior Frankfort
runners. Tappe said supporters currently are trying to get the high school track repainted.

The community is very responsive,Tappe said.Hawkins is expected to return to
lead this year¹s field which, by early
indications, will be the largest in event history.Nearly a week ago,Tappe
already had received 80 early entries. The goal is to reach 150
participants. Last year the 5K had 78 finishers and the 2-mile fun run/walk
had 13 finishers.This year organizers are adding a 1-mile event for those
13 years old or younger.

The 5K asphalt, out-and-back course is flat for the first 1,000 meters
before climbing a short, winding stretch up a moderate grade. The next 1,000
meters bring runners across rolling terrain to the turnaround point.
The return trip features downhill curves at tabout 2.4 miles then a fast
finish on the long straight to the finish line.