By 5 pm, in the calm before the storm of Hurricane Frances, the air was stifling hot. A pack of five went thru the mile mark together, running at a cautious six-minute mile pace. On the long downhill into Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Malcolm Lester broke away from the pack, and by mid-race, built a lead that was never challenged. Jason Grimm of Run Across America fame pulled away for second place, and Arturo Fernandez led a strong Latino team for third place.

Running in mid-pack, Audrey Peterman won the women's race. As the last finishers came in, a cool front and a drizzle portended stronger winds ahead.

As always in recent years, the race started in front of 101 Northway, once the home of the late Larry Noel, longtime director of this race. Larry's sons Billy and Thomas, accomplished triathletes, got off their bikes and ran the race. Many out-of-towners ran as well, joining us from Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, and New York.

James Scarborough won the accompanying 3K and helped with the finish of the 15K.

Ben Richter directed, and many volunteers included Ray Blue, Joe Broderick, Pat Brown, Ed Grant, Jim Hage, Susan Maher, Leslie Stanfield, Jay Wind, and others. Greenbelt Consumer Co-op, around the corner from the race, provided post-race bagels, bananas, cookies, and watermelon.

Race results are Posted