Rachael Burke

Chantilly native upsets favorites to win US 50k title

Published March 10, 2014 at 11:04AM | Updated April 11, 2018 at 3:51PM

Chantilly native Ethan Coffey looks focused before starting the USATF 50k championship, which he went on to win in course record time. Photo courtesy of Greater Long Island Running Club.

We talk a lot about walls in marathoning. We push through them–effortlessly or gasping for breath–on our way to the finish line. Race over.

One problem: the finish line is the real wall. No negotiations. This requirement doesn’t move for any of us. We must change, not the race. The most successful marathoners don’t break through this final barrier–they hit it, full force.

Temperatures drop as the competition heats up at the Run with Santa 5k

By Rachael Burke

Published December 9, 2013 at 12:39AM | Updated June 25, 2015 at 5:04PM

It was lovely weather for a 5k together with more than 1600 runners in Reston at the Run with Santa 5k. Photo: Rachael Burke

Let it snow. You never know who might win.

Saturday, Dec. 8, was the first time Ethiopian Beyasa Moleta, 25, had ever run in the white stuff. Wait until we get to see what he can do in prime conditions.

Feeding the need for speed at the Spend Yourself 5k

By Rachael Burke

Published November 27, 2013 at 11:04PM | Updated June 25, 2015 at 5:05PM

Chris Carney leads the pack out of the gate at the Spend Yourself 5k. Photo: Rachael Burke

What might be better than a crowd of eager runners hungry for a win? Simple: a crowd of eager runners racing to feed the hungry!

Saturday, November 23, marked the second year that Columbia Baptist Church in Falls Church held its Spend Yourself 5k along the W&OD trail. For runners and organizers alike, this community race holds a clear sense of running for a purpose.