Delightful spring weather makes running a breeze

Coach Lang (far right) brings a youth movement to the race
The first race of the MD RRCA State Championship Series was the RRCA Challenge in Columbia, MD. After a couple of years, the Springburst 8K is now back in the series. The race is run in Greenbelt Park, just down the road from where the Larry Noel 15K race is run Labor Day weekend. That race has also been a many year participant in the series.

The weather was perfect for this smallest of the series' races. Sure the course is hilly but the weather was perfect. Race Director Bob Grumbine of the Prince George's County Road Runners made sure everything else ran smoothly too. The course is a double loop lollipop course with 0.0 miles of flat land. We walked down from the parking lot, all dressed for the first true shorts-only day of the year so far.

The course started downhill, which was nice but veterans of the race were cautious. Ron Black, newly minted grandmaster, darted out to an early lead. Soon he heard the familiar footsteps of mega racer Ted Poulos. Poulos had won here before and had already scoped the competition, settling in for a workmanlike victory. New Howard County President Phil Lang, traditionally a cautious starter, might have been a threat but he had brought his brood, high school track team, with him.

Pre-race favorite Denise Knickman of Baltimore, MD wins again
For the women, Denise Knickman was the course record holder, and it seemed sure she would win. She seems to hold back a little at the start as well. When Victoria McFarland of Rockville, MD eased by her on a downgrade just before the first mile, that sparked her into gear. Denise was coming off a winter injury but had run well at St. Patrick's Day 10K earlier in the month. She soon pulled away looking lean and strong. She finished fifth overall in 31:27. Though she claimed to be running scared, McFarland was never again a threat, finishing tenth overall in 32:20.

The other three runners in the top six were all teens, a good sign for running. Lucky seven was masters champion, in his own words, "un viejo" Oscar Ramirez (47) of Gaithersburg, MD in 31:56. Beverly Black (44) of Frederick, MD was the masters champion in 35:28.

The race had ninety-two finishers but tons of awards. They went three deep overall with a masters prize and then three deep in five-year age groups. First place got flowers and a medallion. Runners who set age group records got awards. At least twenty runners got an award just for having the right bib number.

After the race we enjoyed bagels, fresh cookies, fruit and sports drinks, topped off by glorious fresh, clean, spring air. The course was well marked and a cheerful abundance of volunteers kept everyone on track.

1. Tami Graf of Lusby, MD celebrates another win

Race Results
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Check for Series results
updates from 2nd race to be posted soon.