WHEELING — Running in front of the home folks. That was the motivation for Molly Brown in the 42nd annual Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic Saturday morning.

Brown is a Grove City, Ohio resident. She competed in the Friendly City so she could run in front of her grandparents — Kenny and Joanne Burkhart of Wheeling.

She made them quite proud.

Brown toured the 3.1-mile course in 20:21.7 to capture the women’s 5K crown in warm conditions featuring a crowded field.

“I come to Wheeling so my grandparents can watch me run,” the Ohio State University student said. “I enjoying running here but it was a little warm today.

“I have been running about 60 miles a week. In Columbus it is primarily flat and you don’t have hills like we have here in Wheeling. I am very excited and proud to win here. I thought I could run a little faster time but winning makes it very nice. It is a great event.”

The 21-year-old is pursuing a civil engineering degree at Ohio State.

Making Brown’s triumph even more impressive is the person she had to beat to gain the crown.

Tina Seech is a regular at the Ogden Classic.

She also entered the talent-stocked event as the reigning two-time champion in the 5K portion.

Brown relegated Seech to runner-up honors this time around. The 56-year-old running standout clocked in at 20.44.8. Her winning time last year was 21:11 in misty and cool conditions.

“The heat was a factor and there was only one-water station on the course. I like to stay more hydrated than that,” Seech said. “My training has been good. I have been doing 50-60 miles a week.

“I am happy with my time. (Brown) ran a very good race,” the Upper St. Clair resident said. “I have been coming here for about 10 years. I love Wheeling. I will be coming back next year.”

Seech is a medical billing specialist. She gets her rigorous workout in before she hits the office.

“I am an early riser. I get my training in at 4 a.m. every day. I am able to get a better workout in that way. It’s a great way to start the day.”

Madison Fogle of Bridgeport placed third with a 22:38.4 clocking. Brenda Lucas of Toronto was fourth on the strength of her 24:12.1 reading.

The women’s 5K field was comprised of more than 100 competitors, a large spike from last year’s total of 68.