The Ohio River Racing Series will conclude on July 28 with the running of the Jim Quinet 5K Memorial Run in New Martinsville. The series began on June 2 in Paden City at the Paden City Foundation 5K Run and Walk. The two races combined to form the series as an incentive for running and walking enthusiasts and assist both races and benefit both communities. Race directors Matt Quinet and Rodney McWilliams formed the series in 2011.

The racing series released a new logo for this year’s event. The logo depicts two runners, one male and one female. In the lower right corner of the logo are the initials of the fathers of the race directors: Gary McWilliams and Jim Quinet. Both men were active in their communities and inspirational to the respective races and the causes the races benefit. The logo is a tribute to both gentlemen, the sport of running/walking and the local communities that border the Ohio River.

Runners and walkers who enter in both races are eligible for series points. Awards for series champions and runners-up will be awarded at the conclusion of the Quinet race on Saturday, July 28. The top three finishers (Overall run/walk for male and female) from each race earn points. The first place Overall finisher receives 10 points, second place: seven points and third place: four points. After both races are completed, points from the Foundation 5K and Quinet 5K are added and the top three in each division will receive Series awards.

At the Paden City Foundation 5K, the overall winners were:

Run (Male) – Aaron Estep, 1st place, 10 points; James Haught, 2nd place, 7 points; Cameron Benson, 3rd place, 4 points.

Run: (Female) – Marlee Stollar, 1st place, 10 points; Amanda Dawson, 2nd place, 7 points; Katie Billiter, 3rd place, 4 points.

Walk (Male) – Gary Bennett, 1st place, 10 points; Alex Thoburn, 2nd place: , 7 points; Tim Oldfield, 3rd place, 4 points.

Walk (Female) – Linda Eagle, 1st place, 10 points; Teresa Gaiser, 2nd place, 7 points; Jamie Benson, 3rd place, 4 points.

In the event of a tie, the finisher’s cumulative race time will break the tie. It is important to note that participants have to compete in both races to be eligible for the series awards.

McWilliams noted, “These awards are separate from the regular race awards. The Foundation 5K awarded plaques and medals to overal and age group winners and Matt will be awarding the same kinds of awards for the Jim Quinet 5K Memorial. The series awards are separate awards to recognize those that compete in both races and earn top overall placements.”

The Quinet 5K is scheduled to begin at 8:30 AM on July 28. For information about that race, contact Matt Quinet at 304-455-1842. For information concerning the Ohio River Running Series, contact Quinet or Rodney McWilliams at 304-482-9684.