Magnolia Track and Soccer Coach Matt Quinet became the first runner to win the Great Hill Climb, on March 20 with a time of 5:49.

The 500 meter course follows the path of the New Martinsville Hydroelectric Line from W. Va. State Rt. 2 across from McDonald’s to the top of the hill.

It took Quinet, who finished eighth in the Ogden 20K Classic in 2006, 8:11 to descend the course.

“The course was a challenge,” said Quinet. “It worked all of my body. I had to pull myself up the hill a few times and had to change directions multiple times,” said Quinet.

Quinet picked up $100 for his victory, but treated all the finishers to lunch at Quinet’s Court Restaurant, the family business on Main Street, New Martinsville.