unners converged on Kanawha State Forest on Saturday, March 18 for the 2017 edition of the Leprechaun Chase. For the third year, participants accepted the challenge of a brisk morning with cloudy skies and a course that was wet from rain and snow earlier in the week. But, spirits were high as the Leprechaun “escaped” at 8:59 a.m. before the rest of the field took off in hot pursuit at 9:00.
Once again, the 8k course was decimated by George Washington High School junior Jacob Birurakis. In addition to dominating this event the past two years, Jacob is the defending champion of September’s Capital City Challenge and is one of the top distance runners in the region. His time was 29:35 on the wet and muddy course.
The second male finisher was Kane Dunlap while third was Steve Birurakis.
The female winner was Lisa Clonch as she handled the distance in 41:27. The second female was Lindsey Barbey and she was followed by Barbara Dotson. All the results may be found at www.aptiming.com.
A special “thanks” to our Leprechaun, Tim Mayo, for once again leading the race.
The proceeds of this event will benefit the Almost Heaven Scholarship Fund and a special thank you to everyone who came out to help us provide assistance to West Virginia High School students that may not have the financial ability to further their education.
Be watching this site for more information about the July 22nd Almost Heaven Seven at the St. Albans City Park and next year’s Leprechaun Chase.