PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP) – A long-standing tradition returned: The 36th annual Parkersburg News & Sentinel Half Marathon was held again.

Runners from West Virginia and Ohio, as well as other parts of the country and the world, ran through the streets of downtown Parkersburg while crowds lined the sidewalks cheering them on in their efforts.

The race consisted of a half marathon run, a half marathon walk, a three-kilometer run and a three-kilometer walk.

The half marathon started downtown, went through Parkersburg toward Parkersburg South, crossed the Fifth Street Bridge and then ended on Market Street after a total distance of 13.1 miles.

Solomon Kagimbi was the overall male winner after moving to the front of the field right at the start of the race.

Kagimbi, who competed from Columbia, South Carolina and is originally from Kenya, never looked back and at one point led the runner-up by more than a mile.

He shared his thoughts on how it felt to win the event by such a large margin.

“I feel like I’ve accomplished something. I feel kind of motivated,” Kagimbi said. “I’m overjoyed because it was just a challenge. But I’m doing well. I feel kind of blessed by God.”

Jenny Brewer of Saint Marys took first place in the women’s category, winning the event for the second year in a row.

Brewer was thrilled to once again emerge victorious and to do so in front of her friends.

“It’s a huge honor because this is a very historic race with so many winners from all over the country and the world. It feels good to come out on top here,” says Brewer. “I also work for Camden Clark Hospital, so it’s really nice to have a full-circle moment in front of all my colleagues and friends.”

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