The word "classic" is bestowed rather blithely in our world of instant gratification. To obtain such status, an event, particularly a road race, must do more than simply append it to its name. And granted, the Capitol Hill Classic 10K, which celebrated its 26th running on May 22, has immodestly so proclaimed itself since its inception. But at some point, a race such as the community affair on Capitol Hill, which benefits the Capitol Hill Cluster School, takes on a life and reputation beyond mere words. Through a combination of its venue in the shadow of the U.S. Capitol, participation and status in the community, race history, and the accumulated pride and wisdom of 26 years, the Capitol Hill Classic 10K has truly grown into its esteemed moniker.

This year, the winner for the second straight time--and a classic in his own right--was Michael Wardian (31, in photo) from Arlington. Wardian, just as he did last year, broke from the start in Stanton Park and made a solo tour around RFK Stadium and then the Capitol, breaking the tape in 31 minutes 56 seconds, 18 seconds faster than his only real competition, his time from last year.

Wardian ran with long hair flowing under his signature baseball cap worn backward, high white socks, and loping stride. One week earlier, Wardian set a course record at the Coventry Healthcare Delaware Marathon in Wilmington. He ran the Boston Marathon in April, the Frederick Marathon on May 1, and multiple races every weekend between and since, including the Germantown 5 Miler where he finished second the day before Capitol Hill.

"I'm trying to disprove the theory that it all goes downhill once you get married," said Wardian, who tied the knot last October.

Wardian beat runner-up Stephen Money (24), from Washington, by 1:47.

The women's winner was Victoria Lynch (31, photo left) from Washington. She has been making a habit of fast finishes since completing academic obligations and returning to racing recently. Lynch ran 36:56 to beat Alisa Harvey (39), from Manassas, by 23 seconds. Lynch finished fifth at the Pike's Peek 10K in Rockville last month in 35:50 and won Mark's Azalea Run 5K in Bethesda on May 1.

Irina Suvorova (34), one of the Gaithersburg Russians and a sub- 2:30 marathoner back in the day (2002), when she ran 2:29:43 at Twin Cities, took third in 37:53.

Ellen Fitzgerald (41), from Washington, added her name to the list of eminent masters winners, finishing sixth overall in 38:39. The masters course record is 35:32, set by Swiss Olympian Gabriele Andersen in 1987. At the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, Gaby Andersen-Scheiss gained notoriety by finishing the marathon (37th) while in the throes of heat prostration.

While 1,935 runners completed the 10K, many hundreds more ran the 3K afterward, a low-key family affair with an emphasis on moms, dads, youngsters and waving to spectators. The final event, a fun run around the park, was open to those under 10 and ambulatory, even if just barely or with a little assistance. Classic.

10K Award Winners

MALE 
Place Name                    Ag City               Time    
===== ======================= == ================== ======= 
    1 Michael Wardian         31 Arlington VA         31:56 
    2 Stephen Money           24 Washington DC        33:43 
    3 Jim Hage                47 Kensington MD        33:51 


FEMALE 
Place Name                    Ag City               Time    
===== ======================= == ================== ======= 
    1 Victoria Lynch          31 Washington DC        36:56 
    2 Alisa Harvery           39 Manassas VA          37:19 
    3 Irina Suvorova          34 Washington DC        37:53 


MALE AGE GROUP:  01 - 19
    1 Leo Weddel              19 Woodbridge VA        37:45 
    2 Derrick Brinkley        19 Washington DC        39:14 
    3 Robert Ackermann        19 Fairfax VA           42:03 


FEMALE AGE GROUP:  01 - 19
    1 Allie Darling           14 Clifton VA           47:51 
    2 Amy Meyer               19 Washington DC        54:49 
    3 Colleen Ackermann       17 Fairfax VA           55:10 


MALE AGE GROUP:  20 - 29
    1 Robert Schneider        28 Washington DC        34:21 
    2 Jared Prunty            22 Washington DC        34:38 
    3 Chris Feist             24 Woodbridge VA        34:57 


FEMALE AGE GROUP:  20 - 29
    1 Sarah Spalding          24 Washington DC        38:17 
    2 Elizabeth Reed          27 Washington DC        40:25 
    3 Tenaya Britton          23 Arlington VA         41:11 


MALE AGE GROUP:  30 - 39
    1 Yancey Hall             36 Arlington VA         33:53 
    2 Max Lockwood            35 Washington DC        34:16 
    3 Tom Banchy              37 Catonsville MD       34:27 


FEMALE AGE GROUP:  30 - 39
    1 Genevieve Kiley         30 Washington DC        38:08 
    2 Hilary Cairns           34 Washington DC        39:16 
    3 Sharon Donovan          30 Washington DC        39:29 


MALE AGE GROUP:  40 - 49
    1 Christopher Sabatini    40 Washington DC        35:48 
    2 Mike Hart               49 Washington DC        36:36 
    3 Wayne Hugar             41 Woodbridge VA        38:08 


FEMALE AGE GROUP:  40 - 49
    1 Ellen Fitzgerald        41 Washington DC        38:39 
    2 Theresa Kauffman        42 Wilmington DE        43:58 
    3 Tammy Huck              41 Arington VA          45:42 


MALE AGE GROUP:  50 - 59
    1 David Brewer            51 Herndon VA           41:16 
    2 Ken Krehbiel            51 Washington DC        41:55 
    3 Michael Wesbecher       57 Oakton VA            42:07 


FEMALE AGE GROUP:  50 - 59
    1 Alice Franks            57 Rockville MD         45:24 
    2 Donna Nidds-Lund        53 Ashburn VA           47:15 
    3 Manuela Carvalho        50 Washington DC        47:19 


MALE AGE GROUP:  60 - 69
    1 Lou Shapiro             63 Silver Spring MD     42:21 
    2 Michael Golash          62 Washington DC        44:32 
    3 Donald Hensel           60 Gaithersburg MD      45:36 


FEMALE AGE GROUP:  60 - 69
    1 Janice Stoodley         64 Falls Church VA      48:52 
    2 Betty King              60 Crofton MD           51:18 
    3 Sharon Wright           62 Washington DC      1:00:15 


MALE AGE GROUP:  70 - 99
    1 Robert Gurtler          70 The Plains VA        59:50 
    2 John Quincy Adams       73 Washington DC      1:03:13 
    3 Robert Moore            73 Alexandria VA      1:05:46 


FEMALE AGE GROUP:  70 - 99
    1 Margery Elliott         72 Bethesda MD          54:14

Race results for 2005.

NEW Photo Gallery 2005
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