In the photo below, Christopher Banks of Springfield, VA, ran a 4:59 pace to break the tape at 30:56 at the 2002 St. Patrick's Day 10K. Photos by Bob Mallet.

The streets of Washington will be clear of snow as some of area's best runners show what it takes to be a winner. The lads are ready to race as the 15th St. Patrick's Day 10K will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2003 at 9:30 a.m. The start and finish will be at 12th Street and Pennsylvania, Avenue, NW, near Freedom Plaza.

The fastest lad in the history of race is Philippe Rolly (Team Pacers), originally from Lyon, France, a two-time winner and course record holder with a time of 30:27 (1999). Rolly broke the three-year streak of the "Running Irishman," Edmund Burke.

The record for the fastest masters division runner is 32:19 (2001) held by two-time winner Jim Hage (Team Brooks) of Kensington, Md. In 1994, Hage was the overall winner in 31:17. In the history of the race only three other masters division runners have been under 33 minutes.

Will the records stand another year? Will the "Running Irishman" try to go for a fourth win? Who will take home the top honors?

The leprechauns will be working into the wee hours of the night processing the applications. It's not too late to register. On- site registration and packet pick will be held at the Pavilion at the Old Post Office, 12th St. & Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, on Friday, March 14th, 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m., on the stage in the food court area. On Saturday, race day, registration opens at 7:30 a.m. in a tent at Freedom Plaza.

This is the season opener and race not to be missed; there will something for the entire family, right down to the Leprechauns Leap, a 1K noncompetitive fun run for the wee people. There will be post-race refreshments, an exhibition of Irish dancing, and lots random prizes.

A peek at the lads.

Anthony Belber-26, Washington, DC, Bib #17 Profiled in the January-February 2003 Washington Running Report.

Ray Blue, 78, Oxon Hill Md. 1st 75-79 (56:01) Sallie Mae 10K (4/02). 2nd 75-79 (1:41:08) George Washington Parkway Classic 10 Miler (4/02) 2nd 75-79 (57:56) Sallie Mae 10K (4/01). 1st 75-79 (1:30:56) George Washington Parkway Classic 15K (4/01). 1st 75-79 (27:07) DC Rape Crisis Center Challenge 5K (4/01). 2nd 75-79 (27:25) MADD Red Ribbon Run 5K (12/00).

Chris Chattin-39, Columbia, MD Bib #15 21st (26:50) Outback Steakhouse Corridor Classic 8K (11/02).13th (16:31) Kentlands/Lakelands 5K (8/02). 5th (34:57) Clyde's American 10K (4/02). 2nd (34:16) 6th Make-A- Wish UAW GM 10K & 2nd (17:33) 5K (11/01). 1st American & 5th (2:29:15) Baltimore Marathon (10/01). 2nd 35-39 (32:25-9th) Georgetown Classic 10K (10/01). 2nd (25:22) Jones Falls 8K Express (10/01). 7th (16:03) GBMC Father's Day 5K (6/01). 4th (15:43) Damien's Run For Recovery 5K (6/01). 2nd (26:00) adidas Rout 1 Coordior Classic 8K (11/00). 2nd (25:59) Jones Falls 8K Express (10/00). 2nd (24:25) Jones Falls 8K Express (10/99). (31:33) Pike's Peek 10K (4/98). (31:34) Pike's Peek 10K (4/97).

Chris Farley, 26 Arlington, Va. (Team Pacers) Bib # 17 47th (44:36) 2003 USA Cross Country Championship Men's 12K (2/03). 8th (27:42) DCRRC Alexandria Turkey Trot 5 Miler (11/02). 6th (2:33:01) Marine Corps Marathon (10/02). 4th (1:16:16) Quantico Half Marathon (10/02).

Patrick Griffith-58, Alexandria, VA. Bib#29 1st 55-59 (1:23:07) Walt Disney Half Marathon (1/03). 5th (1:23:42) DCRRC Belle Haven 1/2 Marathon (11/02). 1st55-59 (30:00) Outback Steakhouse Corridor Classic 8K (11/02). 1st 55-59 (30:00) Outback Steakhouse Corridor Classic 8K (11/02). 1st 55- 59 (38:02) Georgetown Classic 10K (10/02). 1st 55-59 (18:44) PVI Runfest 5K (9/02). 1st 55-59 (17:58) Kentlands/Lakelands 5K (8/02). 2nd 55-59 (1:01:31) Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Miler (4/02). 1st 55-59 (30:08) 2002 Tren Construction J.R. Organ Donor 8K (3/02). 1st 55-59 (24:21) Shamrock 4 Miler (3/02). 1st 55-59 (1:26:22) Anheuser Busch Half-Marathon (2/02)

Jim Hage, 45, Lanham, Md. (Team Brooks) Bib #5 1st (6:13:10) 40th JFK 50 Miler (11/02). 1st Master & 11th (32:40) Georgetown Classic 10K (10/02) 1st Master & 2nd (26:14) Kensington 8K (9/02). 1st Overall & Master (1:53:34- Master Record) 6th Win DCRRC National Capital 20 Miler (9/02) Hold Open Record 1:48:23 4th Master (1:12:29) Philadelphia Distance Run 1/2 Mara (9/02). 1st Master & 2nd (26:14) Kensington 8K (9/02). 1st Master & 3dr (54:30) Annaplis 10 Miler (8/02). 1st Master & 3rd (16:20) Cure Autism Now 5K (7/02). 1st Master (33:39-4th) Capitol Hill Classic 10K (5/02). 1st Overall & 1st Master (15:48) Cassidy & Pinkard Brain Tumor 5K (5/ 02) . 4th 40-44 ( 32:40) Sallie Mae 10K (4/02). 2nd Master & 3rd ( 15:54) George Washington Parkway Classic 5K (4/02). 1st Master (32:48-5th) St. Patrick's Day 10K (3/02). 3rd Matser & 6th (2:29:59) Rocket City Marathon (12/01) 3rd Master & 6th (16:13) National Press Club (11/01). 1st Overall & 1st Master (16:03) 3M 5K Racing To Save Lives (10/01). 2nd Master (32:38-11th) Georgetown Classic 10K (10/01). 2nd Master (15:50-8th) Paul VI Runfest 5K (9/01). 1st Master & Overall Winner (26:39) Somerset Back To School 8K (9/01) 3rd Master (1:09:24- 25th) Jefferson Hospital Philadelphia Distance Run 1/2 Marathon (9/01). 3rd Master & 19th (1:12:50) America's Finest City 1/2 Marathon ((8/01). 2nd Master (25:44) Rockville Rotary Twilight Runfest 8K (7/01). 2nd Master (15:24- 14th) Subway Capital 5000 (6/01). 1st Master & 3rd (15:39) Damien's Run For Recovery (6/01). 1st Overall & 1st Master (16:01) Gold's Gym Run For Kid's 5K (4/01). 3rd Master (32:05) Sallie Mae 10k (4/01). 2nd Master (50:31- 6th) George Washington Parkway Classic 15K (4/01). 1st Master (32:19 New Record) St. Patrick's Day 10K (3/01). 1st Master and 3rd (15:52) DC Rape Crisis Center Challenge 5K (4/01). 2nd Master and 14th (1:09:48) Las Vagas Half-Marathon. 1st (32:55) Jingle Bell Run For Arthritis 10K (12/00). 5th Master (32:05) Sallie Mae 10K (4/00). The only two-time consecutive winner of the U.S. Marine Corps Marathon (1988-2:21:59, 1989-2:20:23). Three-time participant in the Olympic Marathon Trials, 8th place in 1992. Two-time winner Army Ten Miler (1990-49:31, 1993- 50:37). 2nd Master & 6th (50:31) George Washington Parkway Classic 15K (4/01).

Marty Horan, 43, Gaithersburg, Md. Bib #23 14th Master (30:54) Outback Steakhouse Corridor Classic 8K (11/02). 3rd Master (38:10) B-CC YMCA Turkey Chase 10K (11/02). 2nd Master & 2nd (17:30) Friends of Ian 5K (6/02). 3rd 40-44 (17:36) D.C. Race For The Cure 5K (6/02). 3rd (22:38) MCRRC Sue Wen's Run 4 Miler (5/02). 82nd (59:04) Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Miler (4/02). 2nd Master & 5th (29:43) Over Hillandale 5 Miler (1/02). 3rd Master (17:38-9th) Lawyers Have Heart 5K (6/01). 5th (18:30-11th) MCRRC Cabin John Cross Country 5K (5/01). 8th 40-44 (59:26) George Washington Parkway Classic 15K (4/01). 13th 40-44 (59:29-95th) Nortel Networks Cherry Blossom 10 Miler (4/01). 4th 40-44 (35:44) St. Patrick's Day 10K (3/01). 3rd Master (36:44-8th) MCRRC Piece of Cake 10K (3/01). 2nd Master (58:39-14th) RRCA Club Challenge 10 Miler (2/01). 4th Master's Mile (4:47.78) Maryland Elite Grand Prix Invitational (1/01).

Peter Kirk, 46, Rockville, Md. (Team Brooks) Bib #25 5th (1:02:53) MCRRC Turkey Burnoff 10 Miler (11/02). 11th Master (30:07) Outback Steakhouse Corridor Classic 8K (11/02). 2nd 45-49 (17:09) Kentlands/Lakelands 5K (8/02). 1st 45-49 (27:54) Rockville Rotary Twilight 8K (7/02). 2nd 45-49 (17:29) DC Race For The Cure 5K (6/01). 1st Master (35:40) Jingle Bell Run For Arthritis 10K (12/01). 1st 45-49 (28:20) 2nd Master (17:59) Cecca's Run 5K (10/01). 3rd 40-44 (18:21-th) MCRRC Cabin John 5K XC (5/01) 2nd Master(36:04-4th) MCRRC Piece of Cake 10K (3/01).

Paul Lackey, 78, Arlington, VA Bib #2165 (42:43) Belle Haven 8K (7/02). (52:06) Lawyers Have Heart 10K (6/02). (25:07) Mitzvah 5K (6/02). (41:39) Go Forth 8K (7/01).

Dan Lawson , 47, Gaithersburg, Md. (Team Saucony-PowerBar). Relocated from Selina, Kansas, graduate of Colorado State University. MCRRC 2002 Master Male 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. 1st Master & 2nd (58:43) MCRRC Turkey Burnoff 10 Miler (11/02). 1st 45-49 (27:10) Outback Steakhouse Corridor Classic 8K (11/02). 1st Master (33:46) United We Stand 10K (11/02). 1st 45- 49 (16:25) PVI Runfest 5K (9/02). 1st 45-49 (16:22) Kentlands/Lakelands 5K (8/02) Holds Master Event Record 16:21. 1st 45-49 (34:15) Lawyers Have Heart 10K (6/02). 1st 45-49 (16:48) DC Race For The Cure 5K (6/02). 1st Overall & 1st Master (21:52) MCRRC Sue Wen's Run 4 Miler (5/02). 1st Master & 10th (56:21) George Washington Parkway Classic 10 Miler (4/02). 1st Master (34:09) Pike's Peek 10K (4/02). 1st 45-49 & 5th Master (34:05) St. Patrick's Day 10K (3/02). 1st Overall & 1st Master (27:13) MCRRC Jingle Bell Jog 8K (12/01). 1st Overall & Master (27:04) 7th Reston Jingle Bell Run For Arthritis 8K (12/01). 5th (20:25) Little Bennett's Revenge XC (11/01). 1st 45-49 (34:09) Georgetown Classic 10K (10/01). 1st Master (4:50) Pennsylvania Avenue Mile (10/01). 1st Master & 4th (16:21) Kentlands 5K (9/01). 1st 45-49, 2nd Master (28:35) Kensington 8K (9/01). 2nd 40-44 (39:02-46th) Quad City Bix Times 7 Miler (7/01). 1st 45-49 (33:59) Sallie Mae 10K (4/01). 1st 45- 49 (53:54) George Washington Parkway Classic 15K (4/01). 2nd 45- 49 (55:16) Nortel Networks Cherry Blossom 10 Miler (4/01). .7th Master (26:35) Shamrock Sportsfest Masters 8K (3/01). 2nd Master (33:36-4th) Jingle Bell Run For Arthritis 10K (12/00). 1st 45-49 (26:50-6th) adidas Route 1 Corridor Classic 8K (11/00). 1st Master (52:46) Nortel Networks Cherry Blossom 10 Miler (4/98). Two-time masters winner at the Quad City Bix 7 (1996-36:11, 1997-39:42). Masters best 10 mile time 52:20. Glen Mays, 31, Washington, DC Bib #3 4th (52:23) George Washington Parkway Classic 10 Miler (4/02). 1st (50:32) Belle Haven 15K (4/02) 1st (40:28) Burke Lake 12K (3/02). 2nd (42:00) DCRRC 12K (2/02). 1st (1:12:02) JFK 20K (1/02) 2nd (31:18) Capitol Hill Classic 10K (5/01). (1:25:09) Colonial Half-Marathon (2/01). 1st (32:21) Rudolph Red Nose 10K (12/01). 1st (34:29) Needwood 10K (10/00). 2nd (15:26) Vanguard 5K (9/00).

Thomas McCarney-27 Arlington, VA Bib #19 40th 25-29 (2:32:56) Chicago Marathon (10/02).

Chuck Moeser, 51, Sterling, Va. (Team Pacers). Bib #9 1st 50-54 & 2nd O/A (27:33) Reston 8K (12/02). 1st Master & 2nd (16:52) Vanguard National Run For Recovery 5K (9/02). 2nd Master (57:35) Annapolis 10 Miler (8/02). 1st Master & 1st 50-54 (33:54) Leesburg 10K (8/02). 1st 50-54 & 2nd Master (27:10) Rockville Rotary Twilight 8K (7/02). 2nd Master & 4th (16:36) Cure Autism Now 5K (7/02). 1st 50-54 (34:42) Lawyers Have Heart 10K (6/02). 1st 50-54 & 2nd Master (2:42:21) Washington DC Marathon (3/02). 2nd Master & 1st 50-54 (33:35) St. Patrick's Day 10K (3/02) 1st Master (21:23-3rd)) Shamrock 4 Miler (3/02) . 1st Master (35:36) Rotary Resolution 10K (1/02) 3rd & 1st 50-54 & 2nd Master (28:51) Jingle Bell Run For Arthritis 8K (12/01). 1st 45-49 (16:52-6th) Gold's Gym Run For Kid's 5K (4/01). 2nd Master (33:39) St. Patrick's Day 10K (3/01). 1st 45-49 (16:52 -6th) Clarendon Gold's Gym Run For The Kids 5K (3/01). 1st 45-49 (33:39-17th) St. Patrick's Day 10K (3/01). 2nd (27:17) Jingle Bell Run For Arthritis 8K Reston (12/00). 1st Overall & Ist Master (16:25) Herndon Turket Trot 5K (11/00). 2nd 45-49 & 5th Master (2:44:35) Marine Corps Marathon (10/00). 1st 45-49 & 2nd Master (33:54 - 16th) Georgetown Classic 10K (10/00). 1st 45-49 (33:10) Sallie Mae 10K (4/00). 1st Master & 2nd (54:32) WaWa Hartwood 10 Miler (9/99).

Mick Slonaker, 53, Columbia, Md. Bib #27 (18:14) St. Agnes 5K (9/02). (18:50) Orioles 5K (7/02). (40:40) Oakland 6M (7/02). (19:15 (Lautel 5K (6/02).

Michael Wardian, 28, Team Pacers (Old Town Alexandria). Bib #7 Profiled: October 2002 Washingtonian magazine "Tough Guy"), pages 60-61. 11th (25:38) Outback Steakhouse Corridor Classic 8K (11/02). 4th (2:35:19) 3rd Marathon In The Parks (11/02). 71st (2:28:39) LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon (10/02). 20th (1:10:45) Philadelphia Distance Run 1/2 Mara (9/02). 9th (25:58) Rockville Rotary Twilight 8K (7/02). 5th (32:45) Lawyers Have Heart 10K (6/02). 1st (33:52) Herndon Festival 10K (6/02). 19th (33:11) Sallie Mae 10K (4/02). 6th 54:03) George Washington Parkway Classic 10 Miler 4/02). 4th 25-29 (2:46:26 -17th) Washington, DC Marathon (3/02). 10th (1:14:12) Anheuser Busch Colonial 1/2 Marathon (2/02). 1st (27:30) Over Hillandale 5 Miler (1/02). 6th (33:49) Rudolph's Red Nose 10K (12/01). 5th (33:44) DC-Jingle Bell Run For Arthritis 10K (12/01). 49th (8:00:59) JFK 50 Miler (11/01). 1st & New Record (14:58) Himalayan 100 Mile 5 Day Staged Race, Darjeeling, India (11/01). 10th (16:17) Paul VI Runfest 5K (9/01). 5th (55:18) WaWa Hartwood 10 Miler (8/01). 1st (2:32:23) B&A Trail Marathoon (3/01). 1st (2:37:18) Last Train To Boston Marathon (3/01). 1st (53:23) Chestertown Ten Miler (5/01). 1st American & 26th (27:00:30) Marathon Des Sables, Morocco (April 9-16, 2000).

Walt Washburn, 80, Vienna, Va. Bib #296 (1:00:48) Rudolph Red Nose Run 10K (12/02). (1:00:16) Rockville 10K (12/02). (3:22:26) DCRRC National Capital 20 Miler (9/02). (56:45) Unites 10K (11/02). (2:08:29) Belle Haven Half Marathon (11/02). (1:29:16) DCRRC Greenbelt 15K (9/02). (26:45) Arlington 9-11 5K (9/02).

David Webster-50, Stevensonville, Md. Bib #888 (1:25:24) Riley's Half Marathon (8/02). (35:14) Sallie Mae 10K (4/02), (17:19) Red Ribbon 5K (12/01). (1:20:45) River Rumble Half Marathon (7/00). (17:05) Run For The Arts 5K (5/00).

There are a few more lasses who will be joining the others to make it a very exciting race.

Sharon Donovan-28, Arlington, VA (Washington Running Club). 4th (1:26:36) Anheuser Busch Colonial Half Marathon (2/02). 3rd (18:27) Red Ribbon 5K (12/02) (2:58:00) Chicago Marathon (10/02). (20:37) Tim Harmon 5K (6/01). (33:18) DCRRC Alexandria Turkey Trot 5 Miler (11/00). (6:12.67) Fair 1 Mile (8/00). (20:06) Air Force 5K (9/00). (42:12) Toucan 10K (6/00). (20:18) Lawyers Have Heart 5 K (6/00). (33:30) Alexandria Turkey Trot 5 Miler (11/99). (6:00.36) PVTVBC 1 Mile (7/99). (5:57.24) PVTC 1 Mile (799). (11:52.30) PVTC 2 Mile (7/99). (5:52.00) PVTC Mile (8/99). (20:06) PVTC 5K (8/99). (36:06) DCRRC Langley High School 8K (6/98).

Casey Smith - 22, Washington, DC (Washington Running Club) Bib #2 2nd (1:19:57) Colonial Half-Marathon (02/03). 1st (58:21) Army 10 Miler (10/02). 3rd (35:29) Georgetown Classic 10K (10/02). 5th (29:04) Rockville Rotary Twilight 8K (7/02). 2nd (17:58) DC Race For The Cure 5K (6/02). 2nd (35:57) Sallie Mae 10K (4/02) 27th (1:01:25) Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Miler (4/02). 1st (35:57) St. Patrick's Day 10K (3/02) 2nd (36:32) DC Jingle Bell Run For Arthritis 10K (12/01). 4th (36:28) Georgetown 10K (10/01) 1st (29:04) Heritage Festival 5 Miler (7/01).

Lisa Thomas, 27, Alexandria, Va. (Washington Running Club) Bib # 43 6th (1:27:13) Anheuser Busch Colonial Half Marathon (2/03). 5th (39:53) Jingle Bell Run For Arthritis 10K DC (12/02). 2nd 25-29 (3:07:15) Marine Corps Marathon (10/02). 11th (39:49) Lawyers Have Heart 10K (6/02).

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 at (301) 871-0400.