This is the third year for this race and it is rapidly gaining quite a following in the mid‑Atlantic region. It's a fast, point‑to‑point course run between two small communities near BWI airport. Top runners come from 3 surrounding states and beyond to compete for prize money, which is awarded 5 deep in the open competition and 3 deep in Masters, men and women. Plus, a $400 bonus to the top 3 men who break 14:15 and top 3 women who break 16:25 and $50 to any male/female who break 14:55/16:55. A full payout of all bonus money was made today.

 

The first 4 male finishers were Kenyans with times of 13:45, 13:48, 13:58 and 13:59. Even the 10 place male ran 14:34. Local champion runner, Chris Fox, finished 8th in 14:20‑something and was just second master. Last year, he ran 14:30 and was second overall. The elite field got a lot tougher this year! The first place male and female took home $1250 with bonus money.

 

This was my first race since the Azalea Trail on March 27. It was only my second run in the last 25 days. (My wife and I took a 2-week trip to France earlier this month.) The other was an easy 8 miler three days ago. Plus, I had only run 62 miles during the 7 weeks since Azalea Trail. So, I didn't expect much today. I decided I wanted to run as close to 25 minutes as I could, but would be very happy with anything under 26 minutes.

 

The course begins with a gentle, but steady, downhill first mile. The next mile and a half have a few gentle inclines and the last mile is flat and straight. There are only 5 turns on the course. My one mile split was 7:57.....a little fast for my current condition, even for a downhill mile. Mile 2 was 8:32. I didn't think I slowed that much in mile 2. It's possible the first mile marker was a little off. My third mile split was 8:17 and I ran the last .1065 mile in 49 seconds (7:40 pace.) My overall time was 25:35. That's a minute slower than I was running 5k's two months ago in Florida. But, I'll take it considering the little running I've done since then. And, I think the "gentle slopes" on today's course, which the races I ran in Florida didn't have, accounts for some of the difference.

 

I met an old Forum friend, DaveW, before the race. We ran near each other all the way and chatted for awhile at the post-race party. A band played at the party. Refreshments included hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, baloney/salami sandwiches, bagels, bananas, doughnuts, and beer. No one went hungry. Lots of random prizes, including a weekend at an Ocean City, Maryland, beach resort and an airfare plus all expenses for a vacation to Disney World.

 

This race has the potential to become a major mid‑Atlantic event. It has all the ingredients. Prize money, fast course, quality random prizes, good post-race party, and good chance for good running weather. All in all, a race worth going out of your way to run.....as a few Kenyans did today.

 

Jim2

 

Return to Race Log

Return to Personal Race Reports