Submitted photo Former Doddridge County state champion and West Virginia University all-American Clara Grandt will run a half marathon for the first time when she competes in the News and Sentinel Half Marathon on Aug. 21.

PARKERSBURG—The last time an American female runner walked away with the top prize at The Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon was in 2001, when Milena Glusak of California broke the tape on Market Street. Glusak is one of nine Americans to claim the top prize of the 13.1-mile race. But never in the history of the race has the female winner hailed from West Virginia.. That may change when the race takes off at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 21. “She is one of the best women runners this state has ever produced and one of the best in the country,” said race director Chip Allman. The “she” to whom Allman was referring to is former Doddridge County cross country and track standout Clara Grandt, who recently completed her college eligibility at West Virginia University. “The field is still shaping up,” continued Allman. “But, we are expecting it to be a very tough one once we get everyone committed.