As the sun rose over Byrd Stadium, runners started to gather on the campus of the University of Maryland, College Park. The Naval Academy, fraternities and sororities, fielded teams. The Sergeant's Program warmed up the runners, and the radio DJ had everyone rockin' to the oldies. The second annual Zack's Run 5K race was about to begin. But first, the announcer said a few words in remembrance of the victims of the recent terrorist attacks, and the crowd observed a minute of silence in their honor. Then, the Star Bangled Banner played, the race started, and the runners were off!

Sergei Fedotov (29) of Russia, now living and training in Rockville, took command of the race and never relinquished his lead. His time of 14:53 was one of the fastest 5Ks run in the Washington metropolitan area this year. The race for second and third places was a bit tighter. Anthony Fleg (23) of Clarksville, MD (photo above) took second place in 16:22 over Nick Scerbo (19) of Annapolis, MD, who finished in 16:59.

A Russian dominated the women's race, too. Elena Paramonova (38), also of Rockville (photo left, followed by Nick Scerbo), was third overall in the race, and two minutes and forty-three seconds ahead of second-place Abby Wilder (19) of Annapolis, MD. Halsey Sinclair (12) of Silver Spring, MD, was third in twenty minutes flat.

In the masters division, Mark Baugh (42) of Glenn Dale, MD, beat Gloria Santarpia (40) of Odenton, MD by one second-19:58 to 19:59.

Several hundred people took part in the one mile fun run/walk, with the first finisher coming in in less than 6:30, and then a constant stream of finishers behind him. After the race, runners and walkers enjoyed the post-race festivities, food and beverages which included muffins, hot pizza, and Snapple, and lots of exciting random prizes.

Zack's Run is held in memory of Zachary Hebda, a fun-loving boy who lost his battle with leukemia at the age of five. Zack's family and friends have joined together to fight this horrendous disease in the Race Against Childhood Cancer.

For full results of the 5K race, see the Washington Running Report race results. For additional information on how to fight the battle against childhood cancers, see www.raceagainstchildhoodcancer.org.