George Banker

Volunteers bring the secret sauce to road races

Published September 28, 2022 at 2:34PM

Volunteers staff the Riley's Rumble Half Marathon registration table in 2022. Photo: Dan Reichmann

What makes one event stand out over another? Have you been to a race and left with a memorable moment? The magic comes from the first person you encounter, the volunteer.

The volunteer sets the stage for you and how you will evaluate the experience. The volunteer will help you navigate a large packet pick-up area. How many times have asked, “Where do I get my number? The volunteer comes to the rescue. Can you imagine on a sweltering day, and you come up to a water table and no one is there. How many times have you come up and there are more hands holding cups and you can not make your mind up from whom take the cup? The volunteer makes your life seamless and all you must do is run.

Military Running

Military Running: Gen. Dennis J. Reimer

By George Banker

Published November 11, 2019 at 11:00AM | Updated November 11, 2019 at 12:54PM

Gen. Dennis J. Reimer runs the 2019 Army Ten-Miler. Photo: Marathon Photos

After running his 16th Army Ten-Miler, Gen. Dennis J. Reimer, the former chief of staff of the U.S. Army, reflected on the role that physical fitness plays in today’s military, his career in the Army and his life as a runner.

This year, at age 80, he ran the course in 2:07:07. During his tenure as chief of staff from 1995-1999, he ran the course, in 1998, in 1:10:45, finishing 1,207 out of 7,933 men.

News

Former MCM Ground Pounder Williams dies at 78

By George Banker

Published June 1, 2016 at 1:04PM

He was one of two of the four remaining Ground Pounders who ended their MCM-finishing streaks in 2014. Williams made it to mile 15.

He taught physiology at Old Dominion University, where he founded the Human Performance Laboratory and Wellness Institute.

News

Do You Ever Lose The Passion?

By George Banker

Published May 30, 2012 at 4:28PM | Updated September 16, 2013 at 11:29AM

Karen celebrates winning her age group at the 1999 Annapolis 10 Miler.

To those who knew Karen Erb (April 11, 1951 – May 25, 2012) knew of her passion for running while being competitive it was always hidden behind the smile that she wore while she ran. It was through the heat and humidity at the Annapolis 10-Mile Run that she even smiled when climbing the bridge after the four mile mark. I had the rare opportunity on many occasions to be the one to capture her moments along the course. I know that each time she tried to slip by but I made sure that I got my shot. To this day there is one picture that I only shared with her because she made a face which she thought that I could not get and I did. I did promise her that as long as I never got upset I would not send it to the newspaper. I can state that the picture remains in my files.

News

27th George Washington Parkway Classic 10 Mile & 5K

By George Banker

Published April 10, 2011 at 3:05PM | Updated September 25, 2013 at 11:49AM

Pacers Running Stores is proud to announce the 27^th running of the George Washington Parkway Classic and 13^th running of the accompany 5K on Sunday, April 10, 2011. The George Washington Parkway Classic, presented by Pacers Running Stores, boasts a USATF certified course along the scenic George Washington Memorial Parkway. The 10-mile event starts at Mount Vernon Estates and the 5K starting at Belle Haven Park. The two events will end along Union Street at Oronoco Bay Park in historic Old Town, Alexandria. The event beneficiary is the Alexandria Boys and Girls Club, and Back on My Feet DC.

The race is rich in history and the period 1985-2001 the event was a 15K and since 2002 the event has been one of the area’s top 10-milers. The course affords each runner to challenge their fitness level over the point-to-point course with a couple of gently rolling hill with the last three-quarters of a mile flat straight away along Union Street. The majority of the tree lined course follows along the banks of the Potomac River. This is the event for every racing calendar.

News

49th Washington’s Birthday Marathon Will Have to Wait for 2011

By George Banker

Published February 24, 2010 at 11:12AM | Updated December 18, 2013 at 10:51AM

By George Banker Arlington, VA January 21, 2010 For the Washington Running Report

We regret to announce that the 2010 George Washington Birthday Marathon has been canceled. The Race Directors are in the process of working out a refund strategy and will communicate soon with all registered entrants. Entrants may contact the Race Directors at [email protected]