This large February classic race between the running clubs of Maryland is nearly always run under brisk conditions. With the mercury bouncing around like crazy this mostly mild winter, it is no surprise that a stiff wind pushed the temperature down for more than 435 brave souls racing in Columbia, MD. The course has changed many times in the last couple of decades, running in at least three different directions.

Runners left the warm indoors of the Howard County Community College auditorium and jogged up to the starting line a quarter-mile away. For the third year in a row the race ended east along Hickory Ridge Road, starting mostly downhill in the first mile. The tight pack of shivering runners quickly spread out. The course winds through the city, never staying on the same road for very long with many cutbacks and lots of those rolling hills.

The home team Howard County Striders (HCS) was the defending team. Its usual rival is the monster-sized Montgomery County (MCRRC) team or the tiny elite team of the Falls Road Runners (FRRC). This year both HCS and FRRC had three of the top six runners. The top thirteen men from each team form the male team. The top five women form the female team. The coed team is a combination of the two. The race acknowledges the overall winners but it is all about the teams in this challenge. There are no age group awards.

Rumor is that overall winner Spider Sillery looked real tired. You try running 54:14 with Chris Nowakowski (54:22) shadowing you thirty meters back over the hills of Columbia with the briskest winds coming in the last three miles. Carlos Renjifo was third of top man for the HCS team in a swift 54:44.

The next team to get across the line was the Frederick Steeplechasers (FSC). President Paul Spurrier led by example with one of his best challenges, racing 56:52. Just a step behind him was MCRRC's regular 10-mile champion Mark Hoon. Hoon and teammate Christopher Hamley, next in line at 57:34, were both masters. Not the top masters! Dave Berardi eeked out a tough masters win over Robert Marino 56:35 to 56:44. Berardi, now 45, is a regular at this race. Robert Marino (48) has been away from the running scene for about three years and is a threat to come reclaim the age group crown.

The DC Roadrunners (DCRRC) had their own 25K in Belle Haven on Saturday so the few runners to make it to today's race ran on weary legs.

Victoria McParland dominated the women's race in 62:53. Denise Knickman, a regular top three finisher, was coming off a nagging injury but seemed pleased enough with 65:36. Jessie Sackett of DCRRC was third on her heels in 65:43. MCRRC narrowly won the women's event.

The Darmody family had been making news. Peter (50) held off the lead runner for the Black family. Even in the freezing weather Ron went shirtless, finishing right behind him 64:24 to 64:45. Neal Darmody (16) was the second teen in a marvelous 62:48. Ron's better half, Beverly (45), is a top masters division talent in 72:11.

Former HCS president Mick Slonaker (56) uncorked a fantastic 63:11 to put the rest of his age group on notice. New grandmaster Alison Suckling blasted a 72:35 to make life difficult for the women in her age group. Shortly afterwards, in 72:55, John Elliott (67) pops off a great time. But wait, Jack Pitarra (65) has just thrown his hat into the ring with a fantastic 70:28!

This race has always been for team bragging rights in the area. For the last 10 years it has also been the start of the MD RRCA State Championship Series. Last year there were eight races and runners used their best three races to earn cash and awards. For a look at last year's results go to the Maryland RRCA Web site. Coming soon, the new schedule.

Race Day Results.