This year the Springburst 8K is the first race of the Maryland RRCA State Series. The crazy weather snowed out the regular starter the RRCA Challenge. Then last week we had some more snow and there are predictions of more snow as we endure the coldest April in decades. Right in the middle of all that, the weather turned racing perfect in time for the 21st Annual Springburst 8K. This race is one of the main events for the Prince Georges County Road Runners. As racers drove into the parking lot, they could see the picnic tables overflowing with lots of runner inspired goodies such as bagels, bananas and Gatorade. In addition, there were lots of pastries and a basket of chocolate candy.

The race is run at the Greenbelt National Park and very scenic. The course is a double loop and very scenic. It starts out roaring down the hill like a rollercoaster. Then it snakes around the park flying down hills and then slowing considerably on the return hills. One of the good things about a double loop is that you know what to expect. The trouble is that you are reminded by the tough hills on the first time around.

Last year there was a real battle for the top spot among four runners. This year Frank Sprtel (34) of Takoma Park, MD darted away from the field in the opening quarter mile. His lead kept increasing and he won in 27:02. That is the fastest time since Glen Mays won in 26:31 back in 2003. Masters Doug Kuderna (46) of Odenton, MD pushed hard to earn the runner-up spot with 30:13. The next spot went a teen, Christopher Hart-Moynihan (17) of Annapolis, MD in 31:27. Masters runners made a fine showing with six of the top finishers over forty. Matt Mace (46) of Arnold, MD took the masters award in sixth overall with 32:19. The remarkable Lou Shapiro (65) of Silver Spring, MD ran a spirited 35:47.

For three of the last five years Denise Knickman had dominated the women's field, finishing no worse than sixth overall. Last year Fanny Tilley won in 35:26 filling the vacuum with Brenda MacKintosh the runner-up in 37:11. This year MacKintosh (41) of Springfield, VA pulled away from the field and won easily in 37:20. In photo she has just crossed the finish.Peggy Dickinson (46) of Bethesda, MD had a stirring battle with Gwen Parker (38) of New Carrolton, MD for the runner-up spot 39:15 to 39:40. The next two runners vying for the masters award were both fifty. Janice Uthe of Bowie, MD had the hometown edge winning in 41:10 over Karla Eisch of Vestal, NY with 41:16. Tami Graf (70) of Lusby, MD set the standard for her age group in the region for 2007 with 50:42.

Top Finishers

Male
Frank Sprtel               34  Takoma Park, MD     27:02
Doug Kuderna               46  Odenton, MD         30:13
Christopher Hart-Moynihan  17  Annapolis, MD       31:27
Masters
Mathhew Mace               46  Arnold, MD          32:19  
Female
Brenda MacKintosh          41  Springfield, VA     37:18
Peggy Dickinson            46  Bethesda, MD        39:15
Gwen Parker                38  New Carrollton, MD  39:40 
Masters
Janice Uthe                50  Bowie, MD           41:10 

Photos below

1. Jon Palks (57) of Bowie, MD coolly adds an age group award to his collection racing 38:03.


2. Gwen Parker (38) of New Carrolton, MD proudly celebrates her top three finish in the race.


3. Irrepressible Evan Thomas (65) of Crofton, MD finishes second in his age group, while blowing his own whistle.

This race is the first race in the Maryland RRCA State Championship Series. Check the web site for series results

Race Day Report for 2007
Full Race Day Results
Photo Gallery 2007
Page 2
Photos by Cindy Cohen