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HUNTINGTON -- Shawnee State University's cross country coach thoroughly enjoyed producing an example for his student-athletes.

On a pleasant, somewhat muggy Saturday morning, Eric Putnam raced to the finish line first to earn the West Virginia 5K Championship in a time of 15 minutes, seven seconds. Putnam bested a field of a record 540 runners who completed the annual downtown event. Dunbar's David Caldwell finished second with a time of 5:21, followed by Corey Culbertson at 15:26.

"Usually my strategy is to use the first 4,000 or 5,000 meters to just work my way to a spot and run with whoever's in the race," Putnam said. "Today I kind of felt like it was my day to take the lead maybe and push the pace rather than run off someone's shoulder.

"That's what I did and as the race went on, I don't know if it was the heat, but maybe it was enough for people to drop off the pace I was running. I was trying to use the lead vehicle as something to push me on, but it was distracting because, like it is in all big races, you can see the race clock at all times."

The 37-year-old New Boston, Ohio, resident entered Saturday with purpose. He finished second in last year's 5K Championship to Andrew Benford, who set a race record at 14:55.

"I was definitely motivated to come back and try to win," Putnam said. "Obviously the guy that beat me last year (Andrew Benford) wasn't here. I'm not sure if I could have beaten him, but I feel that I'm in much better shape than I was last year."

Putnam was joined by several of his runners from Shawnee State, an NAIA school in Portsmouth, Ohio.

Sara Armstrong of Sylvania, Ohio, a rising junior for the Bears, finished second in the women's division. Armstrong raved over Putnam's performance, but the veteran coach insisted he wasn't competing to spur his distance runners.

"I don't want this to sound conceited but at this point in my career -- this is my sixth year coaching at Shawnee State -- my kids don't need me to run to motivate them anymore," Putnam said. "I'm blessed with a very motivated group of college athletes that are training very hard and have given such a commitment to running year around for us, so I'd say at this point, I'm 37, it's selfish.

"I'm running because I love it," added Putnam, who has participated in road races since age 9. "I'm glad that this many years into it I'm still able to compete and run. I love to compete and summer road racing is my favorite race to do. I love the atmosphere. It's laid back."

That sentiment was repeated over and again by so many participants after clearing the Veterans Memorial Boulevard finish line. Racers ranged from ages 8 to 73 and numerous states were represented.

"I enjoy running," said 64-year-old Richard Midkiff of Hamlin, W.Va., who stressed religion as motivation." It's a participation sport. I like running with people. We're all a family of God. I have to give Him the praise for it. He helps me run."

Proceeds from Saturday's race benefited the United Way. A United Way official obviously was appreciative, but spoke more of the morning's festive atmosphere.

"This event, what it means to the United Way, is community," said Cassey Bowden, director of resource and marketing of the United Way. "You see how many people are here, getting out, trying to be active, trying to be fit, working toward healthy lifestyles."

She also praised race director Pat Riley, other coordinators and volunteers that allowed for a record crowd. Following the race, runners gathered at Pullman Square for the awards ceremony. Strangers shared stories of their runs and children cooled themselves, splashing water at the square's fountain.

"We want this to be a championship event, meaning it's fun," Riley said. "People will only do things when they're fun and fitness should be fun."

Sholten Singer/The Herald-Dispatch

Eric Putnam is first to the finish line winning with a time of 15:07 during the West Virginia 5K Championship Saturday, June 19, 2010 in downtown Huntington.

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