CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- George Adams, an avid runner for 30 years, competed in 19 Charleston Distance Runs as well as assorted other races and even marathons.

His wife of 53 years, Jody Adams, said her husband's greatest passions were grandsons Caleb and Jacob, WVU athletics and running. He told her his goal was to run the 15-mile Charleston Distance Run once more for a total of 20 times.

George died March 30 at the age of 78, but his presence will be felt this year by fellow runners as Saturday's Distance Run is dedicated to his memory.

"He ran the race several years and was a big supporter of athletics in general in the area," said Gary Smith, director of the Distance Run. "He was a big supporter of WVU athletics. Everyone knew him as a big WVU fan."

Family members participating in this year's run will be clad in blue-and-gold T-shirts emblazoned with "G.K. Relay in Memory of George K. Adams."

READ MORE