Pricketts Fort Hosts 8th Annual 'Run To Read' Half Marathon - WBOY.com: Clarksburg, Morgantown: News, Sports, Weather

Pricketts Fort Hosts 8th Annual 'Run To Read' Half Marathon

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By Kelsey Pape, Marion and Taylor County Reporter - bio | email

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FAIRMONT -

Nearly 400 runners came out to Pricketts Fort for the 8th Annual Run to Read Half Marathon.

It's not only a great way to get in shape but it also supports the Literacy Volunteers of Marion County.

"They're a non profit organization that provides free tutoring to adults and children in reading, math, and English as a second language," said Jim Woolfit, Race Director.

The Marathon includes runners from all 55 West Virginia counties and even people from out-of-state.

"I'm from State College, Pennsylvania," said Linda Welker, participant. "I have been visiting the West Virginia parks over the past few years and I was so excited to see the half marathon."

Many of those registered are runners from previous years.

"This is my second half marathon here at Prickett's Fort," said Alice Aycoth, participant. "I just do it for weight-loss. It's just a hobby."

The 13.1 miles certified course is almost like taking a tour of Pricketts Fort State Park.

Some participants run every mile for training purposes, while others enjoy walking for the cause.

"I absolutely love books and when I saw it was going to benefit the Run to Read program I thought this is also pretty good," Welker said. "I'm an anti-video game person and I encourage first kids to read books over videos."

Aycoth agrees.

"I just walk," Aycoth said. "They actually have wonderful free programs on the web but I just walk and prep."

The race was sponsored by the Marion County Parks and Recreation Commission and Pepsi.

This is the record breaking year for the number of runners in Fairmont.