Tatyana Pozdnyakova (50) of the Ukraine set the 50 and over 8K world record with 26:41 this March at the Shamrock 8K. Photo below courtesy of Victah

The 22nd annual Sallie Mae 10K and 2K Walk/Run, sponsored by The Sallie Mae Fund, will take place on Sunday, April 17, 2005 in West Potomac Park, Washington, DC at 8:00 a.m. The event benefits The District of Columbia College Access Program (DC- CAP), a non-profit organization that helps local high school students to enter and graduate from college. DC-CAP, in partnership with the District of Columbia Public School system, provides counseling and financial assistance to students who might otherwise never have the opportunity to go to college.

Register online at Sallie Mae 10K. The registration fee is $30.00. The fee for those under the age of 18 and college students (copy of ID required) is $12. The Family Fun 2K Walk/Run is $10.00.

The registration and packet pick up: Friday, April 15th, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., at Northwest Sport & Health Club, 4001 Brandywine St., NW, Washington, DC 20016 (Located near Tenleytown-AU metro stop).

Saturday, April 16th, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Regency Sport & Health Club, 1800 Old Meadow Road, McLean, VA 22102. (Take 495 to Route 123 towards McLean; turn right at the first light onto Old Meadow Road).

Sunday, April 17, 2005, 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 a.m. PACKET PICK-UP ONLY Race site: West Potomac Park, Washington, DC

Full details and on-line registration is available at Sallie Mae 10K. The race hotline is 703-533-4849.

This race is about education, community, family, fun and fitness. Run the Sallie Mae 10K to help your community and help send local students to college.

If you are looking for your personal best now is the time to go for it, as the course is flat and fast. The cherry blossoms will still be peaking!

Photo below: top masters runner Lee Dipietro of Ruxton, MD ran in 2004

Top Past Performances:
The race over the years has earned its place on the national running scene through its organization and the performance of the athletes and sponsor support. The race is dynamic and continues to make improvements each year.

In 1996, Tatyana Pozdnyakova set the master's record at age 40 with 33:47 and it stood until 2003 when Firaya Sultanova- Zhdanova broke it with 33:12. Last month, at age 50, Pozdnyakova set a world's best for age 50 in the marathon with a 2:31:05. Can she reclaim her Sallie Mae title? Russian, Olga Romanova with a 32:56, set the ninth fastest woman's time in 2003. Can she reclaim her title and move up in the standings? The Russians have dominated the winner's circle since 2001.

The USA 2004 20K (1:11:39 American Masters record) and 25K (1:31:14) champion, Debbi Kilpatrick will be on the line to challenge the records. Asmae Leghzaoui of Fes, Morocco now training out of West Chester, PA, is scheduled to attend. She set the world's best time for 8K (24:28) in 2002 and the 10K (30:29) in 2002.

There will be three of the two-time Marine Corps Marathon winners, Donna Moore (1997, 199), and Hall of Fames Jim Hage (1988, 1989), and Darrell General (1995, 1997).

New Zealand Olympian, John Henwood, and winner of the Army Ten- Miler in 2003 (48:39). He set his 10,000-meter last year at 27:45.98, a mile PR of 3:59.35.

Will Sammy Nyamongo of Kenya (10,000m PR 28:38) be able to maintain the Kenyan hold on Sallie Mae? The Kenyans had one break in dominance in 1995 and have won all other years.

Will John Tuttle reclaim the master's title from 2001 (30:22)?

Every runner who crosses the finish line will be a winner and have something to feel good about. They will have run with the best and left the rest.

Photo below of the last year's start

Awards
The top athletes will be running for their share of the purse and it will not be easy.

Cash Awards: Total Purse $13, 600 All-Comers (Top 10 finishers) Open (M/F) $500-$450-$400-$350-$300-$250-$200-$150-$100-$50 Bonus $250 - Male under 27:43, Female under 32:00 Master (M/F) $500-$450-$400-$350-$300-$250-$200-$150-$100-$50

Wheelchair (M/F) $200-$100-$50

1st Place Age Group (M/F) $50 5-Year Age Groups 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80- 84, 85-89.

There will be non-cash awards to the top age group finishers. Team awards will be given to the top all-male, all-female and mixed teams.

Intercollegiate Team Competition - School Donation has been eliminated. Merchandise awards to the first place team.

Top Individuals on the Intercollegiate Teams Open (M/F), Master (M/F) 1st Place $100, 2nd $50 (Permitted to participate in the overall prize money (double dipping)).

Photo below shows Jean Arthur(in black), president of the Montgomery County Roadrunners

Leading Females
#39 Betty Blank, 52, Falls Church, VA 2nd 50-54 (1:12:43) 33rd CU Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run, DC (4/05). 1st 50-54, 4th Master (34:18) Rockville Rotary Twilight 8K, MD (7/04). 1st 50-54 (41:57) Lawyers Have Heart 10K, DC (6/04). 1st 50-54 (1:10:23) 32nd Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile (4/04). 4th & 2nd Master (3:44:28) 42nd Washington's Birthday Marathon (2/04). 1st 50-54 (42:29) 20th Sallie Mae 10K (5/03). 1st 45-49 and 4th Master (41:17-16th) Sallie Mae 10K (4/01).

#48 Sarah Buckheit, 42, Reston, VA 2002 MCRRC Masters Female Runner of the Year. 3rd Master (45:27) George Washington's Birthday Classic 10K, VA (2/04). 2nd Master (24:06) MMRF Race For Research 5K, DC(11/03). 1st Master & 3rd (45:40) Fall Into Winter 10K, Reston (12/03). 2nd Master (21:36) Virginia Turkey Trot, Centreville (11/03). 5th Master (22:32) 4th PVI Runfest 5K, Fairfax, VA (9/03). 4th Master (22:56) Sunrise 5K, Herndon, VA (8/03). 5th Master (22:27) Kentlands/Laskelands 5K, Gaithersburg, MD (8/03).

#40 Tatyana Chulakh, 22, Cheboksary, Russia (Germantown, MD) PRs 1500m-4:12.28, 3000m-9:02.64, 5000m-15:49.45, 10000m-32:36 2nd (33:08) Ukrop's Monument 10K, VA (4/05). 4th (26:37) Shamrock Sportfest, VA (3/05). 2nd (26:40) Borden Uptown 8K Run, TX (3/05). 7th (38:11) Falmouth Road Race 7 Miler, MA (8/04). 1st (34:19) Greater Clarksburg 10K, WV (7/04).

#19 Jackie Concaugh, 30 , Team Pacers /Brooks (Firefighter, Paramedic, and Physician Assistant) University of Michigan graduate 1996 Personal Records: 1500m 4:30.29 (4/00), 3000m 9:54 (3/00), 5000m 16:30.68 (6/00), 5 Miles 29:06 (11/99), 10000m 36:00 (4/97). 5th (11:08.06) Raleigh Relays NC State 3000M SC (3/05). 4th (11:32.66) Florida State Relays 3000M SC(3/05). 5th (4:39.18) Florida State Relays 1500M (3/05). 4th (37:12) St. Patrick's Day 10K, DC (3/05). 2nd (11:41.93 (Snowbird Invitational Florida State 3000M SC (3/05). 4th (29:21) Alexandria Turkey Trot 5 Miler (11/04). 2nd (18:04) 3rd Arlington Police, Fire and Sheriff 9-11 5K, VA (9/04). 9th (18:29) ST. Joseph's Medical Center Run to Remember 5K, MD (9/04). (17:13.46) Boston High Performance Series 5000M (5/04). 2nd (17:15) JMU Invitational 5000M, VA (5/04). 1st (16:58.70) Georgia Tech Invitational 5000M (5/04). (36:00) Sallie Mae 10K (4/97).

#31 Laura Friex, 43, Centreville, VA (Team Pacers/ Brooks). Bucknell 4rh 40-44 (1:04:44) 33rd CU Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run, DC (4/05). 3rd & 1st Master (19:10) Goblin Gallup 5K, Fairfax, VA (10/04). 2nd Master (39:10) Lawyers Have Heart 10K, DC (6/04). 5TH Master (39:14) Sallie Mae 10K, DC (5/04). 3rd 40-44 (1:04:59) 32nd Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run (4/04). 2nd (1:07:23) Reston 10 Miler, VA (3/04). 2nd 40-44 (30:46) 11th Outback Steakhouse 8K, MD (11/03). 2nd & 1st Master (18:30) Virginia Turkey Trot 5K, Centreville (11/03). 1st Master & 9th (38:50) Veterans Day 10K, Washington (11/03). 1st Overall & 1st Master (18:44) Goblin Gallop 5K (10/03). 5th Master (39:26) 20th Sallie Mae 10K (5/03).

# Patty Fulton, 39, Silver Spring, MD 1st (18:56) MCRRC Candy Cane 5K, MD (10/04). 1st (19:01) 29th MCRRC Rockville 5K, MD (10/04). 8th (38:26) Veterans Day 10K , Washington, DC (11/03). 10th (1:22:59) Ogden Newspapers 20K (5/03). 4th (58:47) 24th Blue Cross Broad Street Run 10 Miler (5/03). 116th & 7th 35-39 (2:52:48) Grandma's Marathon, Duluth, MN (6/03).

#37 Julie Hayden, 45, Team Potomac River Running Ran track in the UK, Oxford 800 meters to 3,000 meters, best 800 - 2:16 2nd 45-49 (42:17) St. Patrick's Day 10K, DC (3/05). 1st Master & 5th (42:19) Robert W. Swezey Wings Over Loundoun 10K (10/03). 1st Master & 2nd (40:42) Cascades Firechaase 10K (5/03). 2nd Master (19:23) Metro Run & Walk 5K For Women (5/03). 7th Master (40:56) 20th Sallie Mae 10K (5/03). 2nd Master & 6th (19:46) 5th GW Parkway Classic 5K (4/03). 6th Master (41:07-16th ) Sallie Mae 10K (4/02).

#21 Vanessa Hunter, 29, Arlington, VA 15th (1:01:00) 33rd CU Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run, DC (4/05).

#46 Lorraine Jasper, 43. Birchrunville, PA 3rd 40-44 (19:19) Bancroft 5K (3/05). 1st (5:30.0) 1600m, 1st (1:06.00) 400m, 2nd (2:31.2) 800m Indoor Meet, PG Sports Comple, MD (1/05). 1st Master (39:11) Brians's Run 10K, PA (12/04). (33:14) Radnor Run 5 Mile, PA (10/04).

#3 Atalelech Ketema, 22, Ethiopia ( Bronx, New York) 7th (57:17) 33rd CU Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run, DC (4/05). 1st (16:25) St. Joseph's Medical Center Run to Remember 5K, MD (9/04). 11th (57:15) 32nd Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run (4/04). 1st (21:50-CR) 25th Runner's World Midnight Run 4 Miler, NY (12/03). 3rd (16:10) Vytra Women's Long Island 5K, Farmingdale, NY (7/03). 3rd (40:07) Litchfield Hills Road Race 7.04 Miles, Litchfield, CT (6/03). 1st (34:25) Asbury Park 10K Classic, Asbury Park, NJ (6/03). 22nd (35:33) New York Mini Marathon , NY (6/03). 1st (36:36) 24th Capitol Hill Classic 10K (5/03). 4th (16:43) New Balance Moonlight Run 5K, New Milford, CT (5/03). 5th (34:54) 20th Sallie Mae 10K (5/03).

#23 Genevieve Kiley, 30, Washington, DC 20th (1:02:47) 33rd CU CherryBlossom Ten Mile Run, DC (4/05). 9th (38:19) St. Patrick's Day 10K, DC (3/05).

#56 Debbi Kilpatrick, 41, Strongsville, OH PR 5K-16:03, 10K-33:24, Marathon 2:34:56 1st (1:18:32) Toyota Prius Miami Tropical HM, FL (1/05). USA 20K Champion (1:11:39) New Haven 20K, CT (9/04) American Masters Record. 2nd Master & 9th (1:16:19) Jefferson Hospital Distance Run HM, PA (9/04). (1:19:49) Parkersburg HM, WV (8/04). (22:31) Subaru Buffalo 4 Mile Chase, NY (7/04). (17:03) Freihofer's Run For Women 5K, NY (6/04). USA 25K Champion Open & Master (1:31:14) River Bank Run, Grand Rapids (5/04). (34:48) Cleveland Rite Aid 10K, OH (5/04). 2nd Master (16:56) Edison Festival of Lights (2/04).

#11 Susannah Kvasnicka, 33, Potomac River Running 1st Local and 2nd American & 9th (57:27) 33rd CU Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run, DC (4/05). 1st (35:18) St. Patrick's Day 10K, DC (3/05). 1st (35:39) 29th George Washington's Birthday Classic 10K, VA (2/05). 1st (17:40) Red Ribbon 5K, VA (12/04). 4th (58:56) Army Ten-Miler, DC (10/04). 2nd (17:22) Kentands/Lakelands 5K, MD (9/04). 2nd (1:00:56) 29th Annapolis 10 Mile Run, MD (8/04). 1st (36:03) Leesburg 10K, VA (8/04). 6th (29:10) Rockville Rotary Twilight 8K, MD (7/04). 2nd (18:19) Cure Autism Now 5K, Potomac, MD (7/04). 20th (1:20:56) Philadelphia Distance Run 1/2 Mara (9/03). 1st (1:00:36) Annapolis 10 Miler, Annapolis, MD (8/03). 3rd (37:43) Leesburg 10K, Leesburg, VA (8/03). 10th (29:09) Rockville Rotary Twilight Runfest 8K (7/03). 16th (37:30) 20th Sallie Mae 10K (5/03).

#29 Asmae Leghzaoui, 28, Fes, Morocco (West Chester, PA) World Record 8K 24:28 (road) Crazy 8s 8K , Kingsport, TN (7/02). World Record 10K 30:29 (road), New York Mini Marathon, NY (6/02). (14:48.31) 5K Berlin (1/00). (1:08:34) Morocco Half-Marathon (1/99).

Terry Maher, 49, Erie, PA 2nd 45-49 (1:39:36) Presque Isle HM, PA (7/01). 3rd & 1st Master (21:54) Railroad Race 5K, PA (6/01). 1st Master (46:54) Holiday Hustle 10K, PA (12/00). 1st Master (3:40:33) Eriesitible Marathon, PA (9/00). 4th 45-49 (1:45:38) Clarion River HM, PA (2000).

#51Hedy Marque, 87, Alexandria, VA 1st 85-89 (1:57:38) 33rd CU Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run, DC (4/05). 1st 85-89 (1:15:56) St. Patrick's Day 10K, DC (3/05). 1st 85-89 (2:12:58 Pending Single Age Record) 32nd Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run (4/04). 1st 85-89 (1:10:14) Veterans Day 10K , Washington (11/03). 1`st 85-89 ( 1:14:35) 20th Sallie Mae 10K (5/03). 1st 85-89 (1:57:30) 19th GW Parkway Classic 10 Miler (4/03). 1st 85-89 (2:02:27) Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Miler (4/03). Pending Single Age Record. 1st 85-89 (1:10:22) St. Patrick's Day 10K (3/03). 1st 80+ (1:10:37) Pending Singe Age Record - Sallie Mae 10K (4/02). 1st 80-84 (1:55:30) George Washington Parkway Classic 10 Miler (4/02). 1st 80-84 (1:54:09 - Pending Single Age Record, Broke own record of 1:55:58) Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Miler (4/02). 1st 80-84 (31:36) Avon Running - Baltimore 5K (9/01). 1st 80-84 (1:55:20) Nortel Networks Cherry Blossom 10 Miler (4/01). 1998 and 1999 Masters Long Distance Runner of the Year for age group 80-84 by USATF-LDR Committee. Holds single age record for 10 miles for ages 71 through 81. Age 83 is pending verification. 1st 80-84 (1:55:27) Annapolis 10 Miler (8/01). 1st 80-84 (1:05:14) Sallie Mae 10K (4/01). American Masters 75-79 Road Records - 8K-40:44 9/93, 15K-1:19:27 4/93, 10 Mi-1:24

#13 Ann McGranahan, 26, Team Villanova (Newport, VA) PRs- 1500m-4:25, Mile - 4:49, 3000m 9:21.02, 5000m 15:45.76m 8000m road 26:26 10,000m 34:33.22 track. 3-Time Big East 10,000m Champion, 2000 Big East XC Champion, 2000 Mid-Atlantic Regional XC Champion. 8-time NCAA qualifier in XC and track. 5th fastest 10,000m at Villanova 35:07.54. 2nd (26:30) Virginia Beach Shamrock 8K, VA (3/05). 4th (26:59) Outback Steakhouse 8K, Hyattsville, MD (11/04). 4th (26:36) Ntelos 8K, Richmond, VA (11/04). 4th ( ) Boston Mayor's Cup 5K XC (2004).

#43 Larisa Michailova, 36, Russia (West Chester, PA) 1st (2:41:57) Philadelphia Marathon, PA (11/04). 3rd (16:25) Syracuse Festival of Races, NY (10/04). 7th (17:37) Run To Remember 5K, MD (9/04). 1st (1:16:12) Greater Hartford HM, CT (9/04). 3rd (Ben Franklin Bridge Challenge, PA (7/04).

#33 Donna Moore, 44, Team Pacers/Brooks 2nd & 1st Master (19:18) Cardinal 5K, MD (11/04). 1st Master (30:38) 11th Outback Steakhouse 8K, MD (11/03). 1st Overall & 1st Master (19:31) Becca's Run 5K, Derwood, MD (10/03). 4th Master (38:38) 20th Sallie Mae 10K (5/03). 3rd Master (31:22) Outback Steakhouse Corridor Classic 8K (11/02). 1st Master & 3rd (18:17) MCRRC Run For Roses 5K (6/01). 1st Overall (37:17 Master Record) Lawyers Have Heart 10K (6/01). 1st (17:52) and 1st Master National Race For The Cure 5K-DC (6/01). 1st Master (1:01:31 -7th) USO Microsoft Defenders 10 Miler (5/01). 2nd Master (36:44-5th) 18th Sallie Mae 10K (4/01). 1st Master (1:01:09-20th) Nortel Networks Cherry Blossom 10 Miler (4/01). 5th (17:29) National Race For The Cure 5K-DC (6/99). Two-time winner Marine Corps Marathon 1997 (2:53:42) 1999 (2:51:53).

#26 Jackline Okemwa, 26, Kenya

#44 Elena Orlova, 25, Khabarovsk, Russia (Germantown, MD) PRs 800m-2:00.24, 5K-15:50.14, 10K-32:20, H/M-1:12:40, MARA- 2:34:16 1st (2:34:16) Detroit Free Press Marathon, MI (2004). 1st (2:40:17) Akron Marathon, OH (2004). 7th (1:15:29) Virginia Beach HM, VA (2004). 1st (32:20) Russian 10K Premier Race, Moscow (2004).

#54Tatyana Petrova, 22, Cheboksary, Russia (Germantown, MD) PRs 300m-9:06.80, 5K- 15:46.58, 8K-25:31, 10K-32:20, MAR- 2:36:34 1st (32:46) Ukrop's Monumnet Ave 10K, VA (4/05). 2nd (25:31-PR) Shamrock Shuffle, OH (4/05. 2nd ( ) Azalea Trail Run 10K, LA (3/05).5th (2:36:34) Honolulu Marathon, HI (12/04). 3rd (49:52) Utica Boilermaker 15K, NY (7/04).3rd (32:37) Crescent City Classic 10K, LA (4/04). 4th (53:31) Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run, DC (4/04).

#1 Tatyana Pozdnyakova, 50, Ukraine (Gainesville, FL) PR- Marathon 2:29:00 Soviet 1500m Champion 1981 3:56:50 World Best Marathon 2:31:05 age group 50-54, LA Marathon (3/05). 1st Master (1:13:36) Philadelphia Distance Run Half-Marathon, PA (9/04). 1st (2:34:5) Cincinnati Marathon, OH (5/02).5th (34:27) Gum Tree 10K, MS (2002).

2004 Master's Ranking Running Times Magazine age group 45-495K- 16:29 Cigna Healthcare Corporate Run, 10K- 34:55 6th & 1st Master, Cooper River Bridge Run, 7 Mile-38:35 SBLI Falmouth Road Race, 12K-45:51 Lilac Bloomsday, 15K-50:16 Gate River, 10 Mile- 56:31 4th & 1st Master Crim Festival, Marathon-2:30:17 LA Marathon . Single Age Records at Gate River 15K 44-52:03 (1999), 46-54:23 (2001), 47-51:46 (2002), 48-51:54 (2003), 49-50:15 (2004). 1st Master (33:47-CR) Sallie Mae 10K, DC (4/96) Record until 2003.

#53 Olga Romanova, 24, Cheboksary, Russia (Gaithersburg, MD) PRs 5K-15:32.9, 10K-31:58, 10Mi-53:43, HM 1:10:16 1st (34:04) Cooper River Bridge Run 10K, SC (4/05). 3rd (32:38) Azalea Trail Run 10K, AL (3/05). 1st (1:12:36) Aramco Houston HM, TX (1/05). 5th (53:45) 32nd Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run (4/04). 2nd (33:40) Rite Aid Cleveland 10K, OH (4/04). 1st (32:45) Azalea Trail Run 10K, AL (3/04). 1st (1:12:15) Parkersburh HM, WV (8/03). 8th (34:28) Bolder Boulder 10K (5/03). 1st (32:56) 20th Sallie Mae 10K (5/03).

#35 Maria Spinnler, 43, Cumberland Valley Athletic Club Eastern Kentucky Track Team (1979-1983), Ranked #4 Indoor Mile (4:51.17), #5 Outdoor 10000m (37:23.0) Member of 4 Ohio Valley Conference XC Championships, Member of EKU school record 4x1600m relay Team (20:07.2). 1st Master & 3rd (31:42-ER) Tim Kennard 5 Mile River Run, MD (3/05). 3rd & 1st Master (18:33) Spirit of Gettysburg 5K, PA (7/04). 3rd & 1st Master (18:22 Event Record) 4th PVI Runfest 5K, Fairfax, VA (9/03). 3rd (10:55.16) Paxton Fest 2 Miler, Harrisburg, PA (9/03).1st Master (1:49:05) Charleston Distance Classic 15 Mi, Charleston, WV (8/03).2nd Master (29:28) 16th Tom Ausherman Memorial 5 Mile Run, Chambersburg, PA (8/03).2nd Master & 6th (17:55) 6th Louise Mandrell Smoky Mountain Run For Boy Scouts, SC (7/03).1st Master & 6th (39:01) 13th Lawyers Have Heart 10K (6/03). 3rd Master (37:22) 20th Sallie Mae 10K (5/03).1st Master & 4th (18:32) 5th GW Parkway Classic 5K (4/03).1st Master & 7th (18:58) Plaza America Family 5K (4/03).1st (4:48.9) Master Record - Main Street Mile - Westminister.1st Master (18:46 - Record) Metro Run & Walk 5K for Women (5/02). 1st Master & 4th (37:14) 19th Sallie Mae 10K (4/02).

#27 Britton Stackhouse, 25, Arlington, VA 28th (1:03:57) 33rd CU Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run, DC (4/05). 14th (39:14(St. Patrick's Day 10K, DC (3/05). 51st (1:06:45) 32nd Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run (4/04). 6th (30:59) 17th Fair Lakes 8K, Fairfax, VA (9/03).8th (32:12) Kensington 8K, MD (9/03). 8th (1:29:03) Anheuser Busch Colonial Half Marathon (2/03).

#17 Kristi Van Cour, 23 , Newport, VA (Team VA Tech) 71st (22:48.46) Chile Pepper 6K, College Women, AR (10/03). 54th (23:20) 2003 Big East Women XC (10/03). 17th 20-24 (1:02:50) Utica Boilermaker 15K, NY (7/03). 66th (21:54.4) 2002 NCAA XC Southeast Regional, NC (11/02).

#25 Zofia Wieciorkowska, 42, Poland (Stratford, CT). PRs Mile-4:41.3, 5K-16:23, 10K-34:20, H/M-1:15:33, Mara-2:40:39 10th (18:11) Syracuse Festival of Races 5K, NY (10/04). 2nd & 1st Master (18:04) United Technologies Greater Hartford 5K, CT (9/04). NYRRC Runner of the Year 2000. Bonze Medal at Polish Championships, 1500m. Polish Academi Champion 400m, 800m, and 1500m. 10th (28:27) Ro-Jack's 5 Mile, MA (2001). 2nd (4:41.3) Pontia 5th Avenue Mile, NY (2001). 2nd (35:05) Avon Running 10K, CT (2001).

In the photo below, racing legend and star writer Jim Hage gives way to 2nd place women Atalelech Ketema at last year's race. Hage won his age group (45-49) at Cherry Blossom this year in 55:27.

Leading Males:
#8 Levis Anyega, 30, Kenya (Marietta, GA) Lindsay Wilson College, KY Record (OD) 3000m 8:30.20 (4/98). Record (ID) 3000m 8:13.66 (2/98). 7th (33:59) Will Power 10K Run (4/05). (46:34) Tilsa Run 15K, OK (10/98).

#42 Mohammed Ar-Ar, 35, Morocco (West Chester, PA) 2nd (49:32) Run For Hospice 10-Mile, NY (10/03). 17th (46:20) Utica Boilermaker, NY (7/03). 12th (30:24) Greater Clarksburg 10K, VW (7/03). 1st (1:06:53) Atlantic City Marathon, NJ (10/02).

#49 Chris Banks, 27, Alexandria, VA 2000 Princeton University Graduate. 1st (15:19) MADD Red Ribbon 5K, VA (12/04).4th (24:41) Rockville Rotary Twilight 8K, MD (7/04). 1st (32:59) CapitalOne Toucan 10K, Vienna, VA (6/04).20th (2:18:56) 2004 US Olympic Marathon Trials, Birmingham, Ala. (2/7/04).1st (15:17) Red Ribbon 5K, VA (12/03).1st (15:02) Pennsylvania Ave. 5K, Washington (9/03).2nd (25:02) 17th Fair Lakes 8K, Fairfax, VA (9/03). 7th (2:29:37) Pan America n Games, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (8/03).

#34 George Buckheit, 47, Team Bucknell 3rd 45-49 (35:13) St. Patrick's Day 10K, DC (3/05).

#28 Chris Chattin, 41, Columbia, MD 2 time qualifier for The U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon (1988 and 1992). 10th 1991 U.S. National Championship Marathon. Road PR's: 5K 14:42, 8K 24:16, 10K 30:34, 10 mile 50:24, HM 1:06:57, Marathon 2:17:01. 2nd 40-44 (54:42) 25th Blue Cross Broad Street 10 Mile, Philadelphia, PA (5/04). 17th & 2nd Master (33:29) 21st Sallie Mae 10K, Washington (5/04). 1st Master & 11th (33:28) George Washington Birthday Classic 10K, VA (2/04). 2nd 35-39 (35:11) 13th Lawyers Have Heart 10K (6/03). 2nd 35-39 (34:01) 20th Sallie Mae 10K (5/03). 5th (31:24) Pike's Peek 10K, Rockville, Md. (4/01). 3rd 30-39 & 20th (32:12) Sallie Mae 10K, Washington (4/00).

#9 Reuben Chebii, 22, Keiyo, Kenya (West Chester, PA) PRs 5K-13:22, 10K-27:42. 1st (46:55) Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run, DC (4/05). 1st (30:04) Amerihealth Ben Franklin Bridge Run , PA (7/04). 3rd (48:17) Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run, DC (4/04). 1st (46:56) Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run, DC (4/03). 2nd (47:18) Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run, DC(4/02). 2nd (28:25) New Orleans (2004).

#36 Dave Berardi, 44, Baltimore, MD 4th 40-44 (55:50) Blue Cross Broad Street Run 10 Mile, Philadelphia (5/04). 1st Master & 10th (56:28) 25th RRCA Ten Mile Club Challenge, MD (2/04). 5th Master (2:51:32) Under Armor Baltimore Marathon (10/03). 1st Master (16:26) 4th PVI Runfest 5K, Fairfax, VA (9/03). 1st (16:38) Damien's 5K (6/03). 4th Master (33:48) 20th Sallie Mae 10K (5/03). 17th (32:59) Sallie Mae 10K (4/02). 4th Master (32:46) Sallie Mae 10K (4/01).

#10 Darrell General, 39 Hyattsville, MD, Team Metro Run & Walk Youngest Olympic marathon trials qualifier, age 22. 11 consecutive USA Marathon Championship appearances (1992 - 2002). 1992 - 2:25:02, 30th; 1993-2:16:08, 6th; 1994-2:18:47, 3rd; 1995- 2:19:07, 8th; 1996-2:16:30, 12th; 1997-2:22:47, 10th; 1998- 2:17:58, 4th; 1999-2:25:50, 16th; 2000-2:28:41, 35th; 2001- 2:20:20, 6th; 2002- 2:29:02, 18th. He has qualified for 5- consecutive US Olympic Marathon Trials 1990,1994, 1996, 2000, 2004. 54(56:56) 33rd CU Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run, DC (4/05). 24th (26:27) Rockville Rotary Twilight 8K, MD (7/04). 67th (2:33:20) U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, Birmingham, Ala (2/7/04). 11th (31:29) Sallie Mae 10K (4/02).

#45 Jim Hage, 47, Kensington, MD Inducted 2003 Marine Corps Marathon Hall of Fame (10/03) 2nd Master, 1st 45-49 (55:27) 33rd CU Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run, DC (4/05). 1st Master & #rd (56:32) 29th Annapolis 10 Mile Run, MD (8/04). 2nd Master (26:29) Rockville Rotary Twilight 8K, MD (7/04). 2nd Master (33:39) Lawyers Have Heart 10K, DC (6/04). 3rd Master (33:11) 20th Sallie Mae 10K (5/03). 1st Master (33:13) St. Patrick's Day 10K (3/03). 1st (6:13:10) 40th JFK 50 Miler (11/02). 4th 40-44 ( 32:40) Sallie Mae 10K (4/02). The only two-time consecutive winner of the U.S. Marine Corps Marathon (1988-2:21:59, 1989-2:20:23)

#20 John Henwood, 33, Wellington, NZ PRs 1500m- 3:42.92 (1998), 1 Mile - 3:59.35 (1997), 3000m- 7:54.88 (2001), 5000m - 13:30.41 (1999) 10000m - 27:45.98 (2004). 2004 New Zealand Olympic Team. (27:45.98) Stanford University, CA (4/04). 1st (48:39) Army Ten- Miler, DC (10/03). 2nd (14:42) Kentlands 5K, MD (9/03).

# Alexey Khokhlov, 32, Russia (Germantown, MD) 18th (50:38) Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run, DC (4/05).

# Charles Kibiwot, 30, Kenya (Germantown, MD) 16th (50:28) Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run, DC (4/05).

#5 David Korir, 23, Marakwet, Kenya (West Chester, PA) PRs 5K-13:48, 10K- 28:40. 2nd (14:25( JJ Memorial 5K, DE (2005). 12th (29:28) Peachtree 10K, GA (7/04). 3rd (1:02:47) New Jersey (3/04).

#32 Dan Lawson, 49, Team Saucony/PowerBar Relocated from Selina, Kansas, graduate of Colorado State University. 2002 MCRRC Male Master Runner of the Year PRs Open - Mi-4:17, 5K-14:33, 10K-29:56, 10 Mi-50:12, Marathon 2:21:50 PRs Master- Mi-4:35, 5K-15:03, 10K-31:07, 5Mi - 24:56, 10 Mi- 52:50. 2nd 45-49 (34:43) St. Patrick's Day 10K, DC (3/05). 3rd & 1st Master (16:19) MCRRC Candy Cane 5K, MD (10/04). 3rd & 1st Master (16:24) Kentlands / Lakelands 5K, MD (9/04). 1st Master (34:35) Lawyers Have Heart 10K, DC (6/04). 9th & 2nd 45-49 (34:14 ) Veterans Day 10K, Washington (11/03). 5th & 1st Master (20:00) Candy Cane 6K, Chevy Chase, MD (10/03). 4th 45-49 (34:51) 20th Sallie Mae 10K (5/03). 1st 45- 49 (33:59) Sallie Mae 10K (4/01).

#6 Benjamin Lopeyok, Kenya (Marietta, GA),

#30 Mark Malander, 47, Oak Hill, VA 2nd 45-49 (56:08) 33rd CU Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run, DC (4/05). 1st 45-49 (34:05) St. Patrick's Day 10K, DC (3/05). 1st 45-49 (16:50) Red Ribbon 5K, VA (12/04). 2nd 45-49 (55:43) 32nd Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile, DC (4/04). 1st 45-49 (28:02) 17th Fair Lakes 8K, VA (9/03). 1st 45-49 (36:07) Herndon Festival 10K, VA (6/03). 1st 45-49 (56:38) 31st Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile, DC (4/03).

#24 Joseah Matui, 27, Bomet, Kenya, (West Chester, PA) PRs 5K-13:47, 10K- 29:30. 1st (14:23) JJ Memorial 5K, DE (2005). 2nd (1:17:28) Charleston Distance Run 15 Mi. (9/04). 1st (1:04:25) America's Finest City HM, CA (8/04). 1st (23:51) George Sheehan 5 Miler, NJ (6/04).

#55 Sammy Nyamongo, 29, Nairobi, Kenya (Marrietta, GA) PRs 5K-13:24, 10K- 28:38, MAR- 2:20.52 4th (14:46 Town Center Classic 5K, Fla. (2/05). 1st (2:20:52) St. Jude Memphis Marathon, TN (12/04). 1st (15:04) Plaza America 5K, Reston, VA (4/04). 5th (28:38) Cooper River Bridge Run, SC (4/02).

#4 Bernard Onsare, 22, Kenya (Marietta, GA) 9th (29:40) Azalea Trail Run 10K, AL (3/05).3rd (2:18:48) Toronto Marathon, Canada (10/04).

#2 Philippe Rolly, 32, Fairfax, VA PRs 5K-14:30 (2000), 8K 23:59 (2000), 10K 29:42 (2000), 10 Miles 49:40 Half-Marathon 1:05:52 (2000), Marathon 2:19:42 (1999 Chicago). 32nd (2:28:15) New York City Marathon, NY (11/04). 48th (31:50) Peachtree Road Race 10K, GA (7/04). 1st (31:23) Lawyers Have Heat 10K, DC (6/04). 2nd Local (2:29:13) ING New York City Marathon, NYC (11/03). 1st (17:39) JP Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge, NY (5/03). 29th (2:26:17) New York City Marathon, NY (11/02).

#7 Jared Segera, 28, Kenya (Marietta, GA) Lindsay Wilson College, KY Record (OD) 5000m 14:32.0 5/98. 6th (33:54) Will Power 10K Run (4/05). 1st (30:15) Get It In Gear 10K, MN (4/04). 2nd (14:42) Louise Mandrell Smokey Mtn 5K, TN (7/04). 14th (45:21) Utica Boilermaker 15K, NY (2003).

#14 Mark Stickley, 42, Winchester, VA (VA Tech graduate 1985) PRs 10K (track) 28:45.97, 15K-43:19, HM-1:02:19, Marathon 2:17:13. VA Tech school record 5,000m 1983 (14:03.4), 10000m 1984 (28:45.97) still standing. Qualified for US Worlds XC Men' senior 1984, 1985, 1988, and 1989. 1st Master & 5th (32:44) St. Patrick's Day 10K, DC (3/05). 3rd (33:35) Apple Blossom 10K, VA (5/02). 1st (1:14:33) Charleston Distance Run 15K, WV (1984). 1st (1:16:02) Charleston Distance Run 15K, WV (1983).

#12 John Tuttle, 46, Villa Rica, GA 1999 Master Runner of the Year by USATF. Competed in five U.S. Olympic Trials, 1980 in the steeplechase, 1988 in the 10,000 meters, 1984 in the marathon (made Olympic team in third 2:11:50), 1992 and 1996. 2nd Master (32:05) 20th Sallie Mae 10K (5/03). 1st Master & 4th (54:32-Event Record) 19th GW Parkway Classic 10 Miler (4/03). 1st Master & 10th (25:22) Outback Steakhouse Corridor Classic 8K (11/02). 5th Master (35:09) Georgetown Classic 10K (10/02). 1st Master & 12th Place(1:09:12) Philadelphia Distance Run 1/2 Mara (9/02). 1st Master (15:38 Record-5th CR) Paul VI Runfest 5K (9/01). 1st Master & Record (30:22-4th) Sallie Mae 10K(4/01). 1st Master & 4th (47:29) George Washington Parkway Classic 15K (4/01). 2nd Master (30:36) Sallie Mae 10K (4/00).

In the photo below: Last year's winner Henry Kipchirchir

The Sallie Mae Fund is a charitable organization sponsored by Sallie Mae. The Fund achieves its mission-to increase access to a post-secondary education for America's children-by supporting programs and initiatives that help open doors to higher education, prepare families for their investment, and bridge the gap when no one else can.

To VOLUNTEER for the 10K event call 703-533-4849. All volunteers will receive a Sallie Mae 10K staff T-shirt.

Full details and on-line registration is available at Sallie Mae 10K. The race hotline is 703-533-4849.