West Virginia

Order in which state was run: 36

Order in which state was admitted into the union: 35

A white field is bordered in dark blue. West Virginia's flag displays a rock containing the date June 20, 1863, the day West Virginia became a state. The two men represent farming and mining. Below them are two rifles with a "Liberty Cap" on top the rifles. A banner ribbon includes the state motto "Mountaineers Are Always Free". Around the picture are a wreath of rhododendron and the name of the state on a red ribbon.

 

Date: August 22, 2009
Race: Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon
City: Parkersburg
Cost: $35.00
Trip Report

One of the must see destinations while traveling the US for me was Frank Lloyd Wright's Falling Water in western Pennsylvania.  As I ran my Pennsylvania half in Philadelphia in the far eastern part of the state I did not visit Falling Water on that trip.  Looking at the map of remaining states, West Virginia was the logical choice to plan a visit to Falling Water on a racing trip.

The News and Sentinel is a half marathon and a 2 mile race.  It is part of the town's homecoming weekend.  It also has prize money for the top finishers.  As a result, there were several local runners and then a group of elite Kenyans in the race field. 

Post race, I made my way to Pennsylvania and visited Falling Water before heading back to Columbus for the flight home.

 

Up next: Washington