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Kroetch and Herring Win Inaugural Run for the Dream Half Marathon
By Brenda Barrera
Williamsburg, VA
May 22, 2011
For the Washington Running Report
It is a four-man sprint on the Zable Stadium track finish for these participants.
It was a hot, humid Virginia morning, but that did not deter 2,251 runners from finishing this year’s inaugural Run for the Dream Half Marathon held on the historic grounds of Colonial Williamsburg.
Matt Kroetch, 22, (left) a former Virginia Tech Hokie currently in graduate school at California University of Pennsylvania, experienced several “firsts.” Not only did the Herndon native shoot to the lead like a canon at the start up Duke of Gloucester Street, but he kept a steady pace winning the title in 1:09:28, almost five minutes ahead of William & Mary alumni, Jason Schoener, who took second in 1:14:13.
It was also the champion’s first time racing this distance. “I’ve never run a race more than six miles,” admitted Kroetch, who only decided to enter the half marathon a few days prior. He put all of his effort out on the course and ended up in the medical tent where he sat in an ice bath to bring down his temperature. He also suffered from severe blisters on his toes and back of his heels, that part of the “first” he would probably like to forget.
For runner-up Schoener who graduated on Saturday from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) dental school, the time might not have been his fastest, but it was nostalgic.
“I have so many great memories of running here,” Schroener told reporters afterward. “I recall my very first run on the [Colonial] Parkway when I came to school here.” He said the finish on the track at Zable Stadium was a real treat and many participants echoed the same sentiment.
Daniel Juzwiak, 21, from Richwood, OH took third place in 1:16:56. Local standout and top masters ace John Piggott, 46, was pleased with his 1:17:34 finish, good enough for fourth overall. “Especially since I ran the 8K yesterday in 28:54,” he grinned.
It was a special first for the women’s champion, Kristin Herring, 32, (left) from Newport News. She recently moved to the area and switched careers from a CPA to the manager of a new local running store, Point 2 Running Company. Herring, who has a few half marathon titles to her name, wanted to run the challenging 13.1-mile course faster than 1:25:00, but settled for 1:28:06.
“It was a great course and with all the ups and downs, it didn’t get boring,” said Herring who is working on a goal of running a half marathon in each state. So far she has 17 states completed.
Fredericksburg’s Amy Huerta, 35, was second in 1:31:23 and extremely pleased with her time, a new PR.
“I think this race has the potential to double in entrants for next year,” said Huerta via email. “I was pleasantly surprised with the variety of the course.”
Jennifer Quarles, 39, from Williamsburg lives just a few blocks from the starting line and was featured on much of the race promotional material. She finished in third place in 1:31:44 but was more excited about sharing her enthusiasm for the event. “I’m excited for all of the out-of-towners to come here and enjoy what I get to [enjoy] every day.”
In the hand cycle division Joseph Beimfohr, 33, (right) from Annandale, VA was the only competitor and thus won with his 59:13 finish.
“The Parkway was challenging with the pavement [aggregate concrete] which slowed my speed,” said Beimfohr who also finished Saturday’s 8K in 20:45. “Most of my competitors are at the Warrior Games . . . but now I have the course record for this event,” he smiled broadly.
Megan Winstead, 30, Virginia Beach, VA ran 1:33:07 and had this to say, “It was tough because I ran the MCM Historic Half Marathon last weekend, but the scenery at the turn around by mile 7 and 8 was beautiful.”
Brett Burk, 44, (left) from Leesburg, VA plays a lot of sports: tennis, basketball, and regularly participates in Century Rides, but this was his first half marathon. As the William & Mary alumni walked back to his car along the scenic path after the race he said it was fun, “like running with a few thousands friends.” This may have been his first 13.1, but most likely will not be his last.
Race Director Dave McGillivray, who was hired to build this into one of the premier half marathons in the country, was pleased with the inaugural event.
“This has all of the elements of success,” said McGillivray. “It has community support, good causes, the right guy, Walter Segaloff [Founder and CEO of An Achievable Dream], and it’s a great destination event.”
Proceeds from the Run for the Dream will benefit An Achievable Dream, a nationally recognized K-12 school, and the Wounded Warriors Programs.
Editor's note: Be sure to check out the WRR July/August issue for additional race coverage.