From personal experience, this is the first year I've made it to the start line to participate between in climate weather and injuries. The race has grown exponentially since it's debut in 2000 from around a hundred people to approximately 3,000 finishers in 2012. Major props to Jim Adams and the Falls Road Running Store for putting on this great event!
As we rolled into the large tent to get our bib numbers, the feel of Old Man Winter was certainly in the air. If you weren't wearing a hat and gloves, you were being looked at as a total idiot.
The starting 'shout-out' went off just past 8:30am and the large herd of runners headed up the 1/2 mile incline into Druid Hill Park. It was pleasant to see some of the younger runners (high schoolers maybe?) shoot out to the front of the pack then immediately lose their stride as the real incline began. Never fails to amuse!
We had some impressive performances to close out the 2012 racing season. Carlos, the race's perennial bridesmaid as he's now known for five 2nd place finishes, led for a portion of the race but was outkicked going around the lake and had to settle for yet another, but ran a PR of 25:35 and solidified his MVR status. Mark followed in the distance, dying around 3.5 miles due to stomach cramping, crossing the line in 26:26 for 7th. Steve and Jason had a photo finish finishing 16th and 18th respectively, in 28:10 and 28:12. Weems and John wrote another chapter in their rivalry with Weems taking the cake, 30:57 to 31:28. Tunde followed in 31:51 for 56th and Bobby was 64th in 32:17.
The ladies cleaned house as well. Robyn posted yet another top 5 finish in 32:38. Caroline finished her breakout 2012 in 7th clocking a 33:12. Dorothy took care of business in GM division in 34:41.
All in all, every Strider mentioned above took top honors in their respective age group (which was only one deep), with the exception of John and Bobby who are the same age at Weems. AWESOME JOB EVERYONE!!! Now for a few pics...
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| Carlos all alone in 2nd |
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| Steve closing out an amazing 2012 comeback |
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| Jason taking another Master's win...ROIDER?? |
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| Weems making it look easy after an 8 month injury layoff |
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| Tunde's game face |
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| Bobby in picture perfect stride |
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| Caroline taking care of the boys per the usual |
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| Just a few studs partaking in a studly postrace photoshoot |
Lastly, for my dedicated (but quiet) readers, we want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!! Can't wait to see what 2013 (if we can get past 12/21/12 alive)...
...A 2012 Year in Review will follow in the not so distant future...
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