Red Bud 10-miler named RRCA state championship

So you wanna be a champion?

* Race-day instructions, timeline, rules, awards info, etc.
* Primary event page * Mail-in entry form (PDF) * Pre-registered runners
* Course map
* 2012 results and photos

Course records
Female Open – Emily Warner, Winchester, Va., 1:13:19.7 (2012)
Female Masters: Tracy Carl, Romney, W.Va., 1:25:32.7 (2012)
Male Open – Paul French, Warfordsburg, Pa., 1:14:27.2 (2012)
Male Masters: Paul French, Warfordsburg, Pa., 1:14:27.2 (2012)

AUGUSTA, W.Va, April 10, 2013 — So, you want be a champion? You’ll have your chance during the second edition of the Red Bud 10-mile run, a point-to-point distance race from Capon Bridge to Yellow Spring. The event, scheduled for Sunday, April 28, has been named the Road Runners Club of America’s state championship at that distance.

That means that 10-milers will not only be competing for the traditional event awards but special RRCA coasters that will be awarded to the top male and female overall and top male and female in the 40-plus, 50-plus and 60-plus age divisions. Club awards include the top male and female finishers overall plus seven age divisions.

The RRCA designation caught the Potomac Highlands Distance Club, an RRCA affiliate, a bit off balance. Club officials and volunteers, however, are committed to staging a quality championship event at an affordable price.

“The club applied for this designation last October,” said Kevin Spradlin, PHDC president. “I inquired with the RRCA about the status of the club’s application in November, after the date the designations were announced, and again in January. I heard nothing both times, so I figured the answer was ‘no.’ I was somewhat surprised, although in a pleasant way, when I arrived home last Saturday with a package from the RRCA on my porch.”

That package contained championship-related materials, including banners, coupons for participants, awards and other goodies that will benefit participants on April 28, Spradlin said. There are no residency requirements for RRCA award winners. Rules dictate the awards will go to those who cross the finish line first.

“I couldn’t be happier to have this road race be designated an RRCA championship event,” Spradlin said. “It’s a great course in a beautiful section of Hampshire County, and I’m hopeful the championship distinction will help draw others to the area and check it out for themselves.”

Proceeds from this year’s Red Bud Distance Run/Walk 10-miler, as well as the accompanying 5K, will be shared between the Hampshire County Committee on Aging’s senior nutrition program as the PHDC’s new college scholarship fund that will be awarded later this year to a Hampshire County student-athlete.

Entry fee for the 10-mile run and walk is $10 for PHDC members and $15 for not-yet-members. The 5K (3.1-mile) option is free for club members and $5 for everyone else.

Participants can still register for the event and businesses are encouraged to sign up as race sponsors. Entry forms can be obtained at the Hampshire Wellness and Fitness Center in Romney, as well as the Capon Bridge Public Library and The Sweat Shop in Capon Bridge. Forms also are available on the club website, www.PhDispatch.com, or by calling 304-209-8981.