Perfect spring racing weather brings out the runners

Last year Michael Wardian of Arlington, VA dueled Glen Mays in the 10K, winning 31:05 to 31:23. Nobody else even came close. Third place was more than a mile behind them. This year one more runner came close. Paul Rades of Silver Spring, MD ran 32:52, nearly a mile in front of fourth place. Wardian ran a flashy 31:39 but was ousted from the top spot and the top money by Alexey Khokhlov (34) of Germantown, MD. He ran 30:55.

Wardian was chagrined that he had not run the 5K instead. Khoklov claimed the $250 cash for first, while Wardian settled for first in his age group. "He [Khoklov] went out at a 4:20 pace!" Wardian commented at the finish.

Cathy Friedel of Solomons, MD took the women's lead, winning by more than a half mile in 42:02. Last year Friedel was pressed more, winning in 40:07. The next four spots were held by thirty-somethings. Karen Young, a member of the 50 Plus Club, a club dedicated to running at least one race a week, notched the runner-up spot. Liza Recto (49), the top honcho for the Chesapeake Running Club, easily took the top masters spot, finishing sixth overall.

In 2004, racing king Eric Kweder aced the field in 15:19. Joseph Daniels (37) of Camp Springs, MD was hustled along by young Tony Diem (24), squeezing out a 16:18 to 16:23 nod for runner-up. This year, Kweder was gone and it was all Daniels. Danny Page (18) of Hollywood, MD kept him honest, running a fine 17:55. Daniels ran 16:49 for first. Alan Parris (51) of St. Leonard, MD was the top masters runners in 18:38. Paul Serra (49) of Lusby, MD was right behind him in 18:42, reminding him that he would soon be having an age group challenge as well.

Suzanne Edgar of Leonardtown, MD was the defending champion with 21:00 last year. This year she was four measly seconds slower. That bumped her back four places, though, as tough young and old competition moved her aside. Cynthia Seegers of Great Mills, MD won with a swift 20:06. The masters boss, Gloria Santarpia of Odenton, MD, was next in 20:22. Then came the family feud of Olivia Webster (15) in 20:46 versus Clare Webster of Mechanicsville, MD in 20:49.

The weather was a perfect spring morning that brought two hundred and forty-two runners out for the 5K and one hundred and eight for the 10K. Hundreds of untimed walkers joined the field for a 5K jaunt around town.

Race Results