Annapolis 10 Miler Results

This past weekend, a number of racing team members kicked off their fall racing season at the Annapolis 10 Miler.  Known for its tough hills and generally unfavorable running conditions (read: hot and humid), the race is typically treated more as a rust-buster than a goal race.

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)

The Twilight Zone

This past weekend featured the premier local race of the summer...ROCKVILLE TWILIGHTER 8k

This is easily one of the most competitive local races which includes many local elites, college runners, and several African-born speedsters.  The pre-race warmup revealed cooler temperatures then normal due to a light drizzle and overcast but after we completed two miles on the course, it was apparent that the humidity was going to be a factor.

The race start got delayed about 10 minutes due to the police having trouble clearing the roads of traffic.  In the men's race, team captain, Carlos Renjifo, led the way per the usual crossing the line in 19th place in 25:57.  Mark Buschman and Andrew Madison followed in 26:40 and 27:00, respectively.  Jason Tripp kept his age group winning streak alive barely losing to the first Master, but winning the 40-44 age group with a time of 28:20.  He also earned a spot on the elite squad with this awesome performance!

Samantha Matthews led the way for the ladies, finishing in 22nd in 31:57.  Vicki Lang continued her comeback coming in 3rd in the Master's division, running 34:31.

A summary of the results:

Carlos Renjifo 25:57 19th
Mark Buschman 26:40 29th PR
Andrew Madison 27:00 42nd
Kevin Ford 28:00 56th PR
Craig Lebro 28:14 59th
Jason Tripp 28:20 62nd (1st, M40-44)
Dave Berardi 29:13 80th (3rd, M50-54)
Phil Lang 30:11 104th
Tunde Morakinyo 31:01 127th 
Chris Chattin 31:24 136th
John Chall 31:56 145th (2nd, M55-59)

Samantha Matthews 31:57 22nd 
Vicki Lang 34:31 34th (3rd Master)
Janeth Scott 35:55 43rd (2nd, F50-54)

Nice hair Craig!

Dave running with the young guns as always.  I used to be that guy
who would have to outrun him at the end of the race.

Vicki battling the humidity...

Meanwhile, out west in Garrett County, Bobby Gessler took part in the Salem Challenge 5k.  He indicated that the course was long (3.4 miles) and quite hilly.  However, he ran 22:04, good for 10th overall and first Master.

Sunday morning included the Rosaryville Trail Runs in Upper Marlboro.  Keith Levasseur, training for the Leadville 100 in a few weeks, placed 2nd in the 50k, crossing the line in 3:56:27, winning the 30-39 age group.

With her fantastic performance, Vicki Lang joined the team!  WAY TO GO VICKI!!!