Runners “Heart” This Virginia 14K

By Brenda Barrera
February 12, 2011
Virginia Beach, VA
For the Washington Running Report

Leaders Ryan Carroll (#13) and David Hryvniak have not yet sorted out who will win.

The sky was clear blue, a slight breeze touched the 35 degree air, and a sea of red and pink clad runners celebrated their passion at the 3rd annual Virginia is for Lovers 14K in Virginia Beach, VA on Saturday.

Medical student David Hryvniak, 26, from Chesapeake, VA ran slightly ahead of Ryan Carroll, 28, from Portsmouth, VA until mile 7 when Carroll put in a few surges and pulled away, winning in 46:00 with Hryvniak following 19 seconds later. Jordan Chang, 23, of Winchester, VA wrapped up third in 49:20.

Virginia Beach’s Renee High, 29, running under the Final Kick colors, handily won in 50:42, finishing eighth overall. Dolores Ware, a top local masters division competitor, finished second in 55:49. Not too far behind was Mary Davison, 38, from Bristow, VA, (left) who completed the unique distance in 56:12.

In addition to the “single” competition the event offers the popular couples team division. Greg Cauller drove down from York, PA and made a stop in Wilmington, DE to get Lynn Knothe. Their combined time of 1:48:31 earned them second place among the 199 teams. Cauller said they enjoy the J&A Racing events in Virginia Beach. “It’s a good place for a weekend getaway,” he recommended. “And there are a lot of good restaurants.”

Team “Greg-n-Lynn” might not have needed Cupid’s assistance, but he was spotted (with bow and white wings) racing with a bib labeled “Cupid’s Shuffle. In case runners had a chocolate craving, they could have a handful of M&Ms at Candy Curve near mile 7.

Many runners showed their valentine spirit by donning outfits with various shapes of hearts, but one participant got extra cheers as he motored around the winding course—in his tuxedo. Not only did Peter Zink (right) run in the formal attire, but he clutched red-stemmed roses in one hand and a heart-shaped box of chocolates in the other. Let’s hope whomever he was presenting the gifts to at the finish said, “Yes!”