Wright State grad captures 10K race

Jessica Kuhr earned $1,000 for being the top female finisher in the Peace Race.
By JOHN BASSETTI
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- Since graduating from Wright State University in 2003, Jessica Kuhr just runs for enjoyment -- and a little extra cash.
In July, she won $250 at a 5K race. On Sunday, she took home $1,000 as the top woman finisher in the 10K event of the 31st Peace Race.
Kuhr's time was 35 minutes, 21.3 seconds.
The 24-year-old, who moved back to her hometown of Madison in January, may want to thank the woman who passed her, then dropped out almost 2 miles into Sunday's 6.2-mile race through Mill Creek Park.
"One girl passed me at the mile marker, then stopped at about 11/2 or two miles," Kuhr said. "She must have been injured."
That runner's misfortune put Kuhr on track for victory in her first Peace Race.
From that point, it became apparent to Kuhr that she was the leading female.
"People were cheering me during the race and at the end, telling me that I was the first woman. It tried to keep pace. A 10K takes its toll, but I gave what I had to see what would happen. The crowd gave me a good kick, so it was a nice way to finish."
Kuhr lived in Dayton for five years while getting her education, then stayed another year before returning home.
Future plans
She's been working for an insurance broker and, on Tuesday, will take a test for her license to sell health & amp; life insurance and annuities.
Kuhr said she entered the Peace Race after receiving a flier and then an e-mail.
"I read about the prize money and the fact that there aren't any foreigners," Kuhr said of the incentive since the Peace Race adopted a policy in the last few years to restrict non-U.S. world-class entries.
In college, Kuhr's track coach at Wright State was Bob Schul, a former 5,000-meter champion in the Tokyo Olympics.
"He showed me how to work out and it dropped 21/2 minutes off my 5K time from high school," she said. "I'm glad I listened to him."
Runner-up
Anjanette Arabian of Rocky River was runner-up in 35:32.8, although it wasn't her best Peace Race time.
"I have run faster on this course," the 32-year-old attorney said, "but it was my best finish place-wise."
Arabian, who is also coach of track and cross country at Magnificat High School, said that she's been in races with Kuhr before.
"I've run against Jessica before and she's an excellent runner and a great competitor," said Arabian.
In third place was Shannon McConville of Westlake in 36:44.5.
bassetti@vindy.com