If you want a change of scenery, Allegany County is the place. The Great Allegany Run 15K is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year on Saturday, October 7th, 2006.

The format for the event has remained essentially unchanged through the years - a 15K from Mt. Savage to Downtown Cumberland, a 5K within the City limits, and a 2-mile walk. And always popular, the Friday evening pasta dinner and Runner's Forum with the invited runners taking stage. This is at the Holiday Inn, the same location that many guests will stay in. The 15K traditionally attracts a very strong field and offers area runners the challenge of a race that is longer than the norm. The net downhill of about 500 feet makes for some fast times. This is the State RRCA 15K championship.

In last year's race, Matt Barresi (22) of Laurel, MD won in 46:23, a 5:00 pace, over Nick Gramsky (27) of Vienna, VA, 46:31. Greg Cauller (46) of York, PA was second master in 49:41. Vicki Cauller (33) won the race in 53:47, followed by Aime Taylor (28) of Glenn Rock, PA in 55:12.

In 2004, last year's third place finisher, Jaron Hawkins (23) of Frostburg, MD (47:45), won the race in 48:47. Heather Bury of Bruceton Mills, WV won in 53:13. She also won in 2003 in 54:04. The men's winner in 2003 was Scott Lewandowski (24) of Carlisle, PA in 49:10.

In 2002, Gramsky won in 46:42 over Lewandowski in 48:59 and Hawkins in 49:11. Laura Nelson (36) of Waynesboro, VA won in 58:28. In 2001, Gramsky won in 45:44. Maria Spinnler (39) of Hagerstown, MD won in 54:30. In 2000, Colin Young (24) of Elizabethtown, PA won in 45:36. Nelson won in 56:36. In 1999, Mark Stickley (37) of Winchester, VA won in 48:28; Spinnler won in 56:01.

In 1998, Dave Berardi of Baltimore, MD led six sub 50:00 runners to a 47:18 victory. Masters runner Linda Wack (42) of Germantown, MD won in 55:28. In 1997, Mike Dudley (27) of Morgantown, WV won in 45:44. Deanna O'Neal (32) of Canby, OR won in 51:13 with the fastest time in the last ten years.

This race draws runner from all over the region, western Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. More than fifty five single age men records in Maryland were set here, as well as forty women's single age records. These include ten national bests from Jesi Christiansen 56:40 at age 13 through Ed Benham 67:00 at age 81. Note: Jesi Christiansen's 54:04 at age 11, Jesi Christiansen 56:40 at age 13, Job Christiansen 59:55 at age 7 in 1998 improving to at age 10 in 2001 in 55:29.

Chris Fox holds the men's record in 43:46.

An entry form is available at the Queen City Striders Web site. Race Director Dave Treber or 301/687-0644 for more information.