Wednesday, February 1, 2017

January 2017

The Striders Racing Team began the new year with the annual Striders Resolution Run 8K in Columbia. Unlike past years when the prediction run was held on New Years Day, this year's event was held on New Years Eve. Several racing team members participated before enjoying their new years celebrations. Yasuo Oda was the closest team member to the winning time, finishing only 18 seconds before 3:00pm.

Racing Team MemberFinishing Time
Jason Tripp2:58:08.39pm
Eric Schuler2:59:13.81pm
Bobby Gessler2:59:18.80pm
Noel McCracken2:59:19.00pm
Yasuo Oda2:59:42.64pm
Tammy Hermstein3:00:30.77pm
John Chall3:00:55.26pm
Kelly Westlake3:01:52.21pm


Maryland road races are few and far between in January, but Caroline Bauer traveled to Florida to participate in the Key West Half Marathon. She placed sixth overall and second among women, running a time of 1:23:06.

The racing team got a rare opportunity to dress up in non-running clothes to attend the annual Striders Banquet. Several racing team members received yearly awards at the banquet.
AwardRecipient(s)
Most Improved Runner of the Year - FemaleCaroline Bauer
Rachel Collins
Beth Hannon
Most Improved Runner of the Year - MaleMark Landree
Senior Grand Master Runner of the Year - MaleMick Slonaker
Grand Master Runner of the Year - MaleTunde Morakinyo
Master Runner of the Year - FemaleKelly Westlake
Master Runner of the Year - MaleJason Tripp
Runner of the Year - FemaleJulia Roman-Duval
Runner of the Year - MaleEric Schuler

Racing team members at the annual banquet and awards ceremony

The racing team welcomed two new members to the team in January. Amanda Beal, a former runner at the University of Pittsburgh, joined the Elite Team after running qualifying times at Clyde's 10K and the Down's Park 5 Miler. Adam Wytko rejoined the Development Team after taking some time off due to injuries.

The Racing Team will begin February with the Striders Penguin Pace 5K on February 5th at the Bain Center in Columbia, MD. They will also compete in the RRCA Club Challenge 10M on February 26th at Howard Community College.