Huntington's Own Robert Smith Wins the Marshall University Marathon

There's nothing quite like winning on your home turf, and on Sunday a Huntington runner did exactly that. Robert Smith, 44, of Huntington was the first marathoner across the finish line at the Marshall University Marathon, covering the full 26.2 miles in 2 hours, 51 minutes and 9 seconds, according to the race's posted results.

That works out to about 6 minutes and 32 seconds per mile, all the way from the start through the streets and riverfront parks of Huntington and back to the stadium.

Smith had company from home, too. Timothy Bowman, 42, of Beckley finished second in 2:55:12, and Marc Bergman, 43, of Austin, Texas, took third in 2:56:12.

A finish line like no other

The Marshall University Marathon bills itself as the largest marathon in West Virginia, and it has one of the most memorable finishes anywhere. Runners carry a football down the field at Joan C. Edwards Stadium and across the goal line to finish. Marathoners also have the option of placing a flower at the Marshall University Memorial Fountain, a moving tribute that means so much to this community.

Sunday's race day included the full marathon, a half marathon and a 3.25-mile run and walk, with the marathon and half marathon starting at 7 a.m.

Kanawha Valley runners lead the half

The half marathon belonged to the Kanawha Valley. Caleb Keller, 31, of Charleston posted the top time in 1:10:29, a blazing pace of about 5:23 per mile. Hector Falcon, 32, of South Charleston was next in 1:12:54, and 16-year-old Brayden Marshall of Winfield clocked 1:13:50, according to the posted results.

A morning to be proud of

A whole lot of training goes into a day like this, and every finisher who carried that football across the goal line earned their medal. From the Huntington runner who won it all to the teenager from Winfield running with the best of them, Sunday was a good reminder of the grit and heart West Virginians bring to everything they do.

Congratulations to every runner, volunteer and neighbor who lined the course to cheer. Results posted on race day may be updated as officials finalize them.