Charlie Ban - RunWashington

Defending Va. state champs kick off season on top

Published September 9, 2013 at 9:56AM | Updated April 11, 2018 at 3:43PM

Despite losing two national-class runners to graduation, the Chantilly boys and Lake Braddock girls started their state title defense with victories at the Monroe Parker Invitational Saturday in which was, for the most part, an early preview of the Northern Region meet.

Louis Colson staked his claim to the northern region, and perhaps the state, which has been vacated by three seniors who finished ahead of him last year. Before today, Colson, a Thomas Edison senior, had never broken 15:00 for the 2.98 mile course at Burke Lake. On his first race back, he won in 14:43 after breaking away from George C. Marshall’s junior Mackenzie Haight after two miles (9:48).

DCXC

GWU adds track and field for 2014-2015 school year

By Charlie Ban

Published September 9, 2013 at 9:53AM | Updated April 11, 2018 at 3:43PM

These Colonials will have track season to look forward to next year. Photo: Charlie Ban

In hopes of boosting the existing cross country teams’ fortunes, George Washington University will add track and field teams in the 2014-2015 school year. The school will also add diving teams to the existing swimming teams.

After discussing the options with Athletic Director Patrick Nero last spring, Colonials cross country coach Terry Weir said things moved quickly over the summer to set up a return of the indoor and outdoor teams for men and women.

News

Timing is everything for the Paul Thurston 4.5 Miler

By Charlie Ban

Published August 26, 2013 at 11:28AM | Updated June 25, 2015 at 5:18PM

Runners hoping to make it to the Paul Thurston 4.5 Miler Tuesday night found themselves stuck between the clock and a hot race.

The race served as the final leg of the DC Road Runners Bunion Derby series for the summer, but holding it at Burke Lake Park in Fairfax Station was balancing act. If the club held it on a weekend, runners would have to pay $8 to enter the park. If it was on a weekday, evenings would be limited by the park’s closing time at sundown, roughly 8:00 p.m. With a 6:45 starting time, it was up to the runners as to how they would manage the end of their workday and fight rush hour traffic to get to the race.

News

Persistence pays off for Leesburg 20k runners

By Charlie Ban

Published August 19, 2013 at 1:03PM | Updated June 25, 2015 at 5:19PM

Stacey Miller (r) leads Jeanne Friberg and Sandra Starke to the finish of the Leesburg 20k while 5k runner Susan Shurtleff tags along. Photo: Charlie Ban

Any runner who understands the basics of delayed gratification — a principal so central to this sport — could appreciate the Leesburg 20k’s new course, now in its second year. The rolling hills on Dry Mill Road are gone, replaced by a long, grinding grade on the W&OD Trail, one that snuck up on South Riding’s Tatiana Sheptock.

“My eyes wouldn’t see it, but my legs felt it,” she said. “It definitely felt a lot better on the way back.”

News

Where the harriers are furrier

By Charlie Ban

Published August 12, 2013 at 12:00AM | Updated June 25, 2015 at 5:19PM

Water stops are largely a luxury at most 5k races. For the canine competitors at the Lost Dog 5k Friday night, they were a necessity.

When the evening weather Friday was markedly warmer than a week before, runners — with two legs or four legs — knew they’d have to adjust their expectations and race strategies. The second of the four-race series in August benefiting the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation saw 115 repeat runners from the first week. The out-and-back course on the Four Mile Run and W&OD trails included strips of natural surface along the paved trail, perfect for paws. This week, 60 dogs raced.

News

Tips for running with dogs in summer weather

By Charlie Ban

Published August 10, 2013 at 5:56PM | Updated August 19, 2013 at 4:59PM

Photo: Brian W. Knight/Swim Bike Run Photography

Barb Hutcherson from the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation offers some advice for keeping your four-legged training partner healthy.

Hot and muggy summer weather can be uncomfortable for humans and canines alike. While running with your pets can be a great form of exercise, there are a few things to take into account before heading out the door.

News

Great weather greets Crime Solvers 5k racers

By Charlie Ban

Published August 6, 2013 at 12:00PM | Updated June 25, 2015 at 5:19PM

Grace Cleland chases down Chris Rini at the end of the Crime Solvers 5k. Photo: Cheryl Young

Sunday morning, the only crime was that more people weren’t out racing on one of the most pleasant days of the summer. With temperatures in the 60s on an August weekend that is accustomed to heat and humidity, the nearly 200 runners who showed up to the inaugural Fairfax County Crime Solvers 5k at Fairfax Corner.

The race supported Fairfax County Crime Solvers, an independent nonprofit that pays for rewards leading to the arrest of criminals in Fairfax County. Board member Jody Donaldson knew Cheryl Young of the Capital Area Runners team, which was interested in conducting a race. The team had 38 runners race and more than 15 volunteer.

News

Rain waits for the gun at Crystal City Twilighter 5k

By Charlie Ban

Published July 29, 2013 at 11:48PM | Updated June 25, 2015 at 5:20PM

Runners traverse the rain soaked streets during the Crystal City Twilighter 5k. Photo: Lee Diehr.

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The clouds were apparently waiting for the gun to go off at the Crystal City Twilighter 5k Saturday night, because as soon as the runners started, so did the rain.

News

Thrilling women’s race highlights DCRR mile championship

By Charlie Ban

Published July 29, 2013 at 11:40PM | Updated June 25, 2015 at 5:20PM

Track isn’t over once you leave school.

There might not be as many opportunities to race on the track as there are on the roads, but the DC Road Runners Track Championship remains a mid-summer option with some panache. And some shock for the legions of marathon runners who switch it up for an evening. The race tactics on display for everyone to see throughout the entire meet, the consistent lap splits and the energizing sound of the bell on the final lap, all of the elements of great track races were on display at Washington-Lee High School.

News

Indoor marathon adds 50k, Wardian sets provisional world record

By Charlie Ban

Published July 14, 2013 at 6:45PM | Updated August 10, 2015 at 12:31PM

Centreville's Eric Setash runs his bell lap of the Grant Pierce Indoor 50k flanked by his children. Photo: Charlie Ban

Cathy Ahn has been on the lookout for strange and unique races this year. She found one, a few miles from her Arlington home.