In the photo below, Casey Smith finished just seconds before Kristen Pierce Barry, 35:57 to 35:59. Barry led at the half by 11 seconds.

A Very Competitive Race
On March 15, 2003, the lasses will be taking to the start line for the 15th St. Patrick's Day 10K starting near the Pavilion at the Old Post Office in Washington, DC. In the first year there were 274 female finishers and last year, 2,042. The main attraction is the festive atmosphere and the quality of competition. It's the official start of the spring racing season, after all! This is a fast race; the winning time for women has been under 37 minutes nine times and under 36 minutes twice.

In 1998, defending champion Jennifer Stearns of Team Pacers of Old Town Alexandria was trailing behind her teammate, Sharon Servidio, at the first mile. Going into the third mile Stearns made the final push to take the lead. Servidio was not able to cover the move. It was Stearns 36:49 to 37:32.

"I stayed up with Sharon for three miles and she threw in a few surges but I saw that she was not pulling away from me. I wanted to run comfortably and I wanted to win. I was going to stay behind her for about ten meters. I made my move at mile three. I wanted to run under 37 minutes," said Stearns. Photo left: Servidio leads Stearns on the course at the 1998 race. Photo by George Banker.

"This was my first time running this event and I wanted to see what I could do. I tried to pull away from Jennifer a few times and threw in a few surges. At mile three Jennifer pulled away and I tried to maintain and stay with her but I couldn't," said Servidio.

Hedy Marque, of Alexandria, Va., now 85, started running at age 64. At age 72 she ran 1:23:43 for ten miles and at age 80 she did 10 miles in 1:34:23. Marque holds numerous single age and age group records for the 5K up through 10 miles. She will be on the starting line this year and she is not one who likes to talk about her age and running but rather about her level of performance. Marque will be wearing bib number 40.

The top runners will be trying to break the event record of 35:42 set by Andrea Volpe of Springfield, VA, in 1989. The masters division record of 37:12 was set in 1999 by Patti Shull of Ashburn, VA. Shull returned the following year and ran 37:49. Only one other runner has run under 38 minutes, Donna Moore of Team Brooks in 2001. She ran 37:20. Will the 37:12 still stand on March 15th?

The St. Patrick's Day race started in 1988 and only twice in the history of the event was it not held. In 1993 a blizzard caused the cancellation and in 1995 it was not held because of lack of sponsorship. The tradition continues and the race lives through the current runners and sponsors.

Okay lass, if you have not signed up, it's not too late. Register online with no service charge. You can save $5 by registering before race day. The race will start at 12th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, near Freedom Plaza, at 9:30 a.m.

Race awards will be presented to the top ten males and females and the first three in five year age group starting with 19 and under, 20-24, and up through 80 and over. There will be many random prizes given away during the awards ceremony.

To date the following runners will be in the mix to cause some excitement:

Betty Blank, 50, Falls Church, Va. 1st Master (1:35:22) DCRRC Belle Haven 1/2 Marathon (11/02). 2nd Master & 1st 45-49 (33:05) DCRRC Alexandria Turkey Trot (11/02). 1st 45-49 (1:09:13) Army 10 Miler (10/02).2nd 45-49 (41:48) Georgetown Classic 10K (10/02) 2nd 45-49 - 16th Master (1:34:38) Philadelphia Distance Run (9/02). 3rd 45-49 (1:40:05) MCRRC Riley's Rumble 1/2 Marathon (8/02). 1st Master (21:19) DCRRC Women's Distance Festival (8/02). 3rd 45-49 (33:38) Rockville Rotary Twilight 8K (7/02). 1st Master & 3rd (20:09) Mitzvah 5K (6/02) 1st 45-49 (42:21) Lawyers Have Heart 10K (6/02). 1st 45-49 (20:41) National Race For The Cure 5K (6/02). 1st 45-49 & 3rd Master (41:39) Capitol Hill Classic 10K (5/02). 1st 45-49 (42:35 -19th) Sallie Mae 10K (4/02). 1st 45-49 (20:41) George Washington Parkway Classic 5K (4/02). 2nd 45-49 (1:10:31) Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Miler (4/02). 3rd 45-49 (1:40:05) MCRRC Riley's Rumble 1/2 Marathon (4/02). 1st 45-49 (41:35) Run vs Row 10K (3/02). 2nd Master and 1st 45- 49 (1:33:12) Pomoco Group Running Crab Half Marathon (2/02). 1st Master (42:58) DC Jingle Bell Run For Arthritis 10K (12/01). 1st 45-49 & 5th Master (19:40) Baltimore Marathon 5K (10/01). 1st Master & 1st 45-49 (32:17-11th) Ntelos 8K (11/01). 2nd Master & 1st 45-49 (20:44-8th) Goblin Gallop 5K (10/01). 2nd 45- 49 (42:14) Georgetown Classic 10K (10/01). 1st 45-49 (19:40- 11th) 5th Master, Fila 5K (10/01). 1st Master & 1st 45-49 (20:38) Paul VI Runfest 8K (9/01). 1st Master (19:06-3rd) Mitzvah 4.7K (6/01). 2nd Master & 1st 45-49 (19:57-10th) National Race For The Cure 5K-DC (6/01). 1st Master (41:31-4th) Capitol Hill Classic 10K (5/01). 1st 45-49 and 4th Master (41:17- 16th) Sallie Mae 10K (4/01). 1st 45-49 (1:08:16) Nortel Networks Cherry Blossom 10 Miler (4/01). 2nd Master and 3rd (20:28) DC Rape Crisis Center Challenge 5K (4/01). 1st Master (20:48 -10th) Gold's Gym Run For Kids 5K (4/01).1st Master (1:04:50-9th) George Washington Parkway Classic 15K (4/01). 1st Master and 2nd (1:55:59) DCRRC Belle Haven 25K (3/01). 1st (50:11) DCRRC Custis 12K (1/01). 1st 45-49 (20:16) MADD Red Ribbon Run 5K (12/00). 1st Master and 6th (41:36) Jingle Bell Run For Arthritis 10K (12/00). 2nd Master and 17th Nasdaq Veterans Day 10K (11/00). 2nd Master (40:39) Georgetown Classic 10K (10/00). 1st Master and 4th (20:21) George Washington Parkway Classic 5K (4/00).

Hilary Cairns, 32, Washington, DC (Team Pacers). Bib#10 1st (2:20:10) Al Lewis 20 Miler (01/03). 2nd (39:39) Rudolph's Red Nose 10K (12/02).4th (39:40) Jingle Bell Run For Arthritis 10K (12/02).5th (3:14:08) 3rd Marathon In The Parks (11/02). 3rd (39:17) United We Stand 10K (11/02). 7th (18:21) Kentlands/Lakelands 5K (8/31). 1st (19:45) DCRRC Women's Distance Festival (8/02). 9th (30:03) Rockville Rotary Twilight 8K (7/02). 2nd (18:20) Laurel 5K (6/02). 3rd (18:23) Metro Run & Walk 5K For Women (5/02). 3rd (37:26) Capitol Hill Classic 10K (5/02) 3rd (18:23) Metro Run & Walk 5K for Women (5/02). 5th (6th (37:49) Sallie Mae 10K (4/02) 3rd & 1st 30-34 (18:32) George Washington Parkway Classic 5K (4/02). 1st (37:59) Run vs Row 10K (3/02).7th (37:42) St. Patrick's Day 10K (3/02). 2nd 30-34 (59:28-6th) George Washington Parkway Classic 15K (4/01). 1st 30-34 (36:55-6th) Sallie Mae 10K (4/01). 2nd (18:36) Clarendon Gold's Gym Run For The Kids 5K (3/01). 2nd (36:58) St. Patrick's Day 5K (3/01). 2nd (38:15) MCRRC Piece of Cake 10K (3/01). 2nd (38:42) Jingle Bell Run For Arthritis 10K (12/00). 1st (39:47) Run For The Heart 10K (6/00). 1st (23:00:21) Marathon In The Parks (11/00) 1st (37:47) Capitol Hill Classic 10K (5/00).

Kristin Faraguna, 27, Arlington, VA.,(Team Pacers). 3rd (18:42) Farlington Firehouse 5K (4/02) 3rd 25-29 (1:07:09) George Washington Parkway Classic 10 Miler (4/02) 3rd (39:34) United We Stand 10K (11/01). 8th Place- St. Croix Triathlon - Sprint (Short Course) 5/01. 750Meter-S (16:21), 12.5M-B (54:12), 5K-R (22:46). 3rd (38:14) Run-vs-Row 10K (4/00). 6th (18:33) Tommy's American 5K (7/99). 3rd (17:25) National Race For The Cure 5K-DC (6/99).

Monique Farah Rico- 35, Vienna, VA (Team Brooks) 3rd (34:12) 2002 Fall Into Winter 8K (12/02). 2nd 35-39 (20:49) Herndon Festival (11/02) 2nd 30-34 (42:33) United We Stand 10K (11/02). 7th (34:25) Van Metre 5 Miler (10/02).6th (20:47) PVI Runfest 5K (9/02). 7th (1:37:16) MCRRC Riley's Rumble (8/02). 3rd (43:35) CapitalOne Toucan 10K (6/02). 14th (21:08) Metro Run & Walk 5K For Women (5/02). 3rd 30-34 (41:29-11th)) Capital Hill Classic 10K (5/02). 2nd (33:33) Patriot's Cup Corporate Challenge 8K (5/02). 7th (1:37:16) MCRRC Riley's Rumble 1/2 Marathon (4/02). 22nd (42:22) St. Patrick's Day 10K (3/02). 5th (34:15) Reston Jingle Bell Run For Arthritis 8K (12/01). 7th (20:56) Run For Research 5K (7/01). 4th (20:38) Sunrise 5K (9/00).

Patty Fulton, 37, Silver Spring, Md., (Team Brooks). Bib# 8 2nd (3:05:33) 3rd Marathon In The Parks (11/02). 1st 35-39 (1:24:30) Virginia Beach 1/2 Marathon (9/02). 6th (29:31) Rockville Rotary Twilight 8K (7/02). 2nd (36:52) Lawyers Have Heart 10K (6/02). 11th 35-39 (17:54) Freihofer Run For Women 5K (6/01). 2nd (36:51) Pike's Peek 10K (4/02) 1st (19:55) E*Trade & Bright Beginnings 5K (4/02) 5th (36:31) St. Patrick's Day 10K (3/02) 2nd (37:40) George Washington Birthday Classic 10K (2/02). 6th (18:13) National Press Club 5K (11/01) 3rd (3:03:01) Marathon In The Parks (11/01). 1st (30:58) Country Road Run 5 Miler 1st (2:52:46) Steamtown Marathon (10/01). 4th 35-39 (1:18:24- 14th) Jefferson Hospital Hospital Philadelphia Distance Run (9/01). 2nd (17:39) Kentlands 5K (9/01). 1st (29:15) Kensington 8K (9/01). 1st (1:00:29) WaWa Hartwood 10 Miler (8/01). 6th (29:00) Rockville Rotary Twilight Runfest 8K (7/01). 2nd (18:09) Cure Autism Now 5K (7/01). 2nd (18:09) MCRRC Run For Roses (6/01). 2nd (18:47) Capital Crescent Trail 5K (6/01). 17th place (59:42) Nortel Networks Cheery Blossom 10 Miler (4/01). 2nd (17:51) Cassidy & Pinkard Brain Tumor Society 5K (4/01). 1st 35- 39 (35:38-5th) Pike's Peek 10K (4/01). 1st (37:59) MCRRC Piece of Cake 10K (3/01). 1st (2:50:34) Steamtown Marathon (10/00). 1st (2:51:02) Kiawah Island Marathon. 1st (17:41) Race For Cooperative Development (10/00). 1st (17:52) Kentlands 5K (9/00). 1st (1:24:52) River Rumble 1/2 Marathon (7/00). 42nd (18:05) Freihofer Run For Women , Albany, NY (6/00). 3rd (39:21) Lawyers Have Heart 10K (6/00). 2nd (18:38) MCRRC Run For Roses 5K (6/00). 5th (1:03:24) Microsoft-USO Defenders 10 Miler (5/00). 2nd (36:28) Pike's Peek 10K (4/00). 1st (38:59) MCRRC Piece of Cake 10K (3/99). Valley Day 9 Miler, 1st (55:18) 5/00, 1st (54:09-CR) 5/99, 1st ( ) 5/93.

Lory Gray, 23, Alexandria, VA (RRCA) Bib#14 Furman University graduate 2001, Cross County & Track, Prs 800m-- 2:20, 1500m-4:45, 3000m- 10:15 5000m- 17:45, 10000- 37:58. 5th (37:24) Georgetown Classic 10K (10/02). 4th (18:33) PVI Runfest 5K (9/02) . 9th (18:36) Kentlands/Lakelands 5K (8/02). 4th (37:58) Lawyers Have Heart 10K (6/02). 6th (18:54) Race For The Cure (6/02). 1st (24:08) Charlottesville Women's Distance Festival 4 Miler. 8th (38:37) St. Patricks Day 10K (3/02). 1st (38:27) Elizabeth River Run (4/02). 11th (38:30) Georgetown 10K (10/01).

Heather Hanscom, 23, Alexandria, VA., (Team Pacers) Graduated James Madision University, Dean's List in health sciences with minors in pre-medicine and health communication. . 33rd (35:27) 2003 USA Cross Country Championships (2/03). 1st (17:48) Potter Homes/YMCA Turkey Trot 5K (11/02). 1st (18:11) National Press Club 5K (11/02). 6th (39:22) Georgetown Classic 10K (10/02).2nd (17:13) Kentlands/Lakelands 5K (8/02). 1st (35:38) Lawyers Have Heart 10K (6/02). 1st (35:28) Capitol Hill Classic 10K (5/02) 5th (35:40.30) Penn Relays (4/02). 1st (17:23-ER) George Washington Parkway Classic 5K (4/02) 20th (58:12) Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Miler (4/02). 29th (30:01) 2002 USA XC Championship 8K (02/02). 1st (35:50) DC- Jingle Bell Run For Arthritis 10K (12/01). 1st (28:03) Outback Steakhouse Corridor Classic 8K (11/01). 3rd (17:11) Vanguard National Run For Recovery 5K (10/01) 3rd (36:00) Georgetown Classic 10K (10/01). 3rd (36:00) Georgetown Classic 10K (10/01). 5th (27:57) Crestar 5K (11/00). NCAA provisional qualifier outdoor 10,000m run (34:48.64). All-East (ECAC) indoor, 5,000m. 3rd ECAC Indoor Championships in 16:52.23, Boston (3/01). The 3rd faastest time in school hostory at that time and as of 2002 it ranks 5th. In senior year ECAC qualifier in indoor mile and 3,000m, 5,000m and outdoor 10,000m. Finalist 1999-2000, JMU Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year. 17th (35:58.74) Penn Relays (4/00). 11th (17:12.54) Raleigh Relays (3/00). JMU cross country team MVP 1998 and 1999. 7th (9:59.15) 3,000-meter Run,at ECAC Championships, Boston, Mass (2/99) 1st (9:54.01) 3,000m Run,George Mason Collegiate Invitational, Fairfax, Va.(2/99). 21st (10:10.39) in 3,000m Run, Butler University Cannon IV Classic, Indianapolis, Ind. (2/99). 13th (10:11.93) 3,000m Run at Virginia Tech Pepsi Invitational, Blacksburg, Va. (1/99). 1st (5:07.66) 1 Mile Run (5:07.66) Bucknell Hershey's Invitational, Lewisburg, Pa. (1/99). 6th (17:45.8) 5,000m Run Navy Midnight Madness Invitational (12/98).

Julie Hayden, 43, Ashburn, VA. Bib# 2157 Ran track in the UK, Oxford 800 meters to 3,000 meters, best 800 - 2:16 5th & 2nd Master (33:26) Van Metre 5 Miler (10/02). 6th Master (41:07-16th ) Sallie Mae 10K (4/02). 2nd Master (19:53) Plaza America Family 5K (4/02). 2nd Master & 5th (19:32) George Washington Parkway Classic 5K (4/02). 3rd Master (40:13) St. Patrick's Day 10K (3/02). 1st Master & 2nd (32:56) Jingle Bell Run For Arthritis 8K-Reston (12/01). 2nd Master (34:00) Van Metre 5 Mile (10/01). 1st Master (33:22) Jingle Bell Run For Arthritis 8K-Reston (12/00). 5th (32:38) Jingle Bell Run For Arthritis 8K-Reston (12/99). 4th (32:46) Jingle Bell Run For Arthritis 8K-Reston (12/98)

Susannah Kvasnicka, 30 Reston, VA. Bib# 12 2nd (30:07) 2002 Fall Into Winter 8K (12/02). 6th (30:18) Outback Steakhouse Corridor Classic 8K (11/02). 43rd (2:54:14) LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon (10/02). 27th (1:23:48) Philadelphia Distance Run 1/2 Mara (9/02). 6th (17:59) Kentlands/Lakelands 5K (8/02). 4th (1:03:26) Annapolis 10 Miler (8/02). 2nd (37:52) Leesburg 10K (8/02). 6th (38:41) Lawyers Have Heart 10K (6/02). 10th (19:28) DC Race For The Cure 5K (6/02). 1st (38:12) Preakness 10K (5/02). 3rd (38:06) Pike's Peek 10K (4/02). 30th (1:01:54) Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Miler (4/02). 8th (38:02) St. Patrick's Day 10K (3/02). 3rd (38:31) George Washington Birthday Classic 10K (2/02). 1st (39:43) Rotary Resolution 10K (1/02). 1st (31:25 Reston Jingle Run For Arthritis 8K (12/01), 13th (3:11:01) 26th Marine Corps Marathon (10/01). 8th 25-29 (1:24:58) Philadelphia Distance Run 1/2 (9/01). 14th (1:09:27) Annapolis 10 Miler (8/01). 21st (32:05) Rockville Rotary Twilight Runfest 8K (7/01). 6th (3:35:57) Washington's Birthday Marathon (2/01). 8th (33:30) Jingle Bell Run For Arthritis. 73rd (25:06) Fleet Feet Festival 5K (5/00).

Hedy Marque, 85, Alexandria, Va. Bib# 40 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. Marque. 1st 80-84 (1:55:27) Annapolis 10 Miler (8/01) 1st 80-84 (1:05:14) Sallie Mae 10K (4/01).

Meghan McLaughlin, 23 , Arlington, VA - Georgetown Running Company PR: 5K 17:36, 10K 35:50. Radford University - Graduated 2002 15th (32:58) 2003 USA Cross Country Championships Women 8K (2/03). 1st (31:44) Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis 10K (12/02). 3rd (29:05) Outback Steakhouse Corridor Classic 8K (11/02). 2nd ( 29:15) DCRRC Turkey Trot 5 Miler (11/02). 11th (30:25) Rockville Rotary Twilight Runfest 8K (07/02). Outdoor Record -3000m (10:42.00) 3/02. Indoor Record- 5000m (18:56.95) . All-Big South in Cross Country as Jr. (3rd), Sr. (2nd). 17th (35:50.16-PR) Penn Relays (4/02). School Record. 3rd (17:51.77) Big South T&F Championships (4/02). 1st (18:51.55) 5000m Highlander Quad (4/02). 1st (37:32.56) 10000m Big South Outdoor T&F (4/02). 1st (17:59.19) 5000m 49ers Classic (03/02). 2nd (10:42.00) 3000m School Record, 2002 Charleston Southern Buccaneer Invit. (3/02). 2nd (3:09.90) 1000m VMI Invitational (12/01). 83rd (21:58) 5K, 2001 DivI Cross Country (11/01). 2nd (22:23) 5000m Pre NCAA Furman Invitational (10/01). 2nd ( ) Big South CC (10/01). 1st (23:09) 6000m Holiday Innn Express Invitational (10/01). 1st (17:54) 5000m George Washington Univ. CC (9/01). 4th (4:55.67) 1500m Radford Univ. T&F (01/01). Win Persina, 42, Washington, DC. Bib# 18 6th Master (22:19) PVI Runfest 5K (9/02). 2nd Master (41:12) Lawyers Have Heart 10K (6/02). 3rd Master (19:53) Metro Run & Walk 5K For Women (5/02). 1st Master (39:40-6th) Capitol Hill Classic (5/02). 1st Overall & 1st Master (19:11) Cassidy & Pinkard Brain Tumor Society 5K (5/02) 3rd Master (20:31) Plaza America Family 5K (4/02). 5th Master (40:06- 14th )Sallie Mae 10K (4/02) 5th & 3rd 40-44 (19:34) George Washington Parkway Classic 10 Miler (4/02). 1st Master (39:52) St. Patrick's Day 10K (3/02). 1st Master (50:55) Custis Hospice 12K (2/02). 1st Master (20:18) Vanguard Run For Recovery 5K (10/01). 1st Master (20:31) Run For Research (7/01). 2nd Master (20:02) Orioles Advocates 5K (7/01). 3rd Master & 8th (20:32) MCRRC Run For Roses 5K (6/01).

Sharon Servidio, 29, Arlington, Va., (Team Pacers). Bib# 6 35th (2:50:13) LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon (10/02) 1st (17:25) Mitzvah 5K (6/02). 23rd (2:48:06 - 1/2 split 1:22:59 O/A pace 6:25) Grandmas Marathon (6/02) 3rd ( 1:00:16) George Washington Parkway Classic 10 Miler (4/02). 23rd (58:48) Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Miler (4/02). 4th (36:30) St. Patrick's Day 10K (3/02). 3rd (37:18) DC- Jingle Bell Run For Arthritis 10K (12/01). 56th (2:57:58) 32nd New York City Marathon (11/01). 6th (36:43) Georgetown Classic 10K (10/01). 1st (1:22:04) LAWS Run For Shelter 1/2 Marathon (9/01). 2nd (1:01:23) WaWa Hertwood 10 Miler (8/01). 5th (28:44) Rockville Rotary Twilight Runfest 8K (7/01). 7th (18:34) Metro Run Walk 5K (5/01). 5th (58:22) George Washington Parkway Classic 15K (4/01). 6th 25-29 (1:02:07) Nortel Cherry Blossom 10 Miler (4/01)2nd 25-29 (37:51-7th) Sallie Mae 10K (4/01). 3rd (37:06) St. Patrick's Day 10K (3/01). 3rd (38:47) Jingle Bell Run For Arthritis 10K (12/00).1st (29:03) Jingle Bell Run For Arthritis 8K Reston (12/99). 1st (55:22) George Washington Parkway Classic 15K (4/99).

The St. Patrick's Day 10K is presented by Capital Running Company with sponsorship by Fleet Feet Sports of Washington. The official charitable partner is Special Olympics DC. For full race details, visit the race web site or call the race hotline (301) 871-0400.

Don't forget about our Leprechauns Leap, the free kids fun run. No registration necessary--just show up and run. Medals to all finishers! The fun run begins immediately after the start of the 10K.

See the previous press release about the St. Patrick's Day 10K.