To the runner's great fortune, this year's race was notably cooler than previous years, making the humidity more bearable. Whether this break in the weather resulted in faster times is debatable, but a quick survey of people crossing the finish line seemed to indicate that most looked less miserable than in years past.
The female racing team contingent was very light this year, with only two women competing for the Striders. Emily Drew, recovering from an injury sustained earlier this summer, was most happy about finishing the race injury free. In a few months time, she will be back to her old self and will be setting some more personal records. Dorothy Beckett, on the other hand, was in her usual top form, finishing in an impressive 1:15:04 and handily winning the Female 50-55 age group.
On the men's side, Carlos Renjifo and Andrew Madison ensured that the Annapolis crown remained with Howard County for another year, taking the top two spots with times of 53:53 and 54:44, respectively. The masters men put on a dominant show, sweeping the top age group prize for each of the five categories between 40 and 65. Finishers included:
- Chris Chattin (24th, 1st M45-49, 1:00:27)
- Jason Tripp (25th, 1st M40-44, 1:00:36)
- Dave Berardi (28th, 1st M50-54, 1:01:55)
- Weems McFadden (1st M55-59, 1:05:37)
- John Chall (2nd M55-59, 1:07:16)
- Mick Slonacker (1st M60-64, 1:07:48)
Shout outs also go to fellow Striders David Toller (6th, 57:59) and James Blackwood (54th, 1:04:33), who train with us and finished well within the top 100.
A few races pictures:
Post-race: All smiles
Waiting for the awards
Andrew and Carlos show off their prizes
Jason: 1st M40-44
Chris: 1st M45-49
Dave: 1st M50-54
Dorothy: 1st W55-59
Weems: 1st M55-59
Mick: 1st M60-64
More pictures are available (here) and (here).
Full Results are available (here)
