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New Red Bud Distance Run for Runners and Walkers Alike
By Kevin Spradlin
Yellow Spring, WV
January 27, 2012
For the Washington Running Report
Early registration for the inaugural Red Bud Distance Run, a point-to-point run and walk from Capon Bridge to Yellow Spring in April ends January 31. Prices go up beginning February 1.
Runners and walkers alike have three hours to complete the 10-mile event, which is being staged for multiple reasons. There also is a 5K run and walk that begins and ends in Yellow Spring that same morning. The pre-race dinner is set for the evening of April 28. The 10-mile event begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. the next morning.
One of the goals of organizers Pam Brady, Margaret Broderick, and Tracy Carl (left) is to raise funds for two selected charities — the Romney office of Catholic Charities of West Virginia and the Hampshire County Committee on Aging’s senior nutrition program. The event is being coordinated through the Potomac Highlands Distance Club.
The 10-mile course begins in Capon Bridge and winds along Cacapon River Road towards the finish line at the Capon Valley Ruritan Club in Yellow Spring.
“On your left, nearly the entire time, is the scenic and peaceful Cacapon River, which is a designated American Heritage river,” said race director Kevin Spradlin. “I’ve run this course three times already and, if you pay enough attention to the river, the miles seem to go by without even realizing it. And if that gets boring, for some reason, you have a beautiful mountain range and well-manicured horse farms and pastoral landscapes to focus on.”
Spradlin said although the course has a minor net gain in elevation, the road should feel for many as if it is mostly flat.
“The inclines flow well and the down hills come at just the right times,” Spradlin said. “This is definitely a course people can try to set their personal best on.”
Along with raising new funds for two Hampshire County charities, organizers have a unified focus on delivering a new vehicle through which people near and far alike can begin their journey for improved physical fitness.
“I wanted to be involved in organizing the Red Bud Distance Run because I have developed, in my golden years, a love for distance walking and an appreciation for the sense of wellness and youthfulness I experienced after completing my first half marathon walk,” Broderick said.
Broderick, of Romney, finished 13.1 miles of challenging but scenic vistas in and around Shepherdstown, WA last October in four hours, eight minutes, and six seconds.
Fellow Red Bud Distance Run organizers Pam Brady of Three Churches completed the same course in 3:24:42 while Carl of Romney finished in 1:58:42.
“I am excited about being a part of an activity that generates such enthusiasm for and dedication to helping the human body maintain an amazing level of health and well-being,” Broderick said.
Carl said she has been running with her husband Bob for 23 years.
“We have enjoyed the health benefits of lower stress and stronger bodies, not to mention keeping the extra pounds to a minimum,” Carl said. “When we moved to Hampshire County, the beautiful country roads and hilly terrain were both a welcomed and challenging change for our running.”
As a volunteer on the Red Bud Distance Run organizing committee, Broderick represents Catholic Charities West Virginia. Brady represents Hampshire County Community Quilters and Carl is spearheading a local chapter of LIFE Runners.
Early registration forms must be postmarked before February 1. To download an entry form, register online, or for more event information, log on to www.PhDispatch.com or E-mail.