News

Conroy Zien celebrated finishing the 2016 Rehoboth Beach Seashore Marathon at a post-race party surrounded by some of his closest friends he’s made through running and with another medal around his neck to add to his extensive collection of race souvenirs.

His time of 3 hours, 35 minutes, and 14 seconds placed him 138th overall out of 872 total finishers and top 25 in his age group. As the co-director of Montgomery County Road Runners Club’s First Time Marathon Training Program, Zien has helped hundreds of novice runners, including this reporter, accomplish their dream of completing 26.2 miles. RunWashington readers voted him Best Running Coach in 2015.


Event

Enjoy spring at the U.S. National Arboretum during the Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) Flowering 5K. This run or walk will take you past garden collections brightly colored with spring flowers, over tree-lined rolling hills, and along streams winding their way to the Anacostia River. Enjoy cherry blossoms, magnolias, and so much more!

This race is not only scenic but also safe and secure. All roads are closed to cars during this race so you can safely enjoy running or walking through this 451-acre urban green space. A professional race announcer will call out runners as they cross the finish line and music will get you in the groove before and after the event.


Event

Celebrate Memorial Day and honor our past and present military heroes! Join your friends and neighbors on May 25, 2026 in Ashburn, VA for RINGING IN HOPE: A SALUTE TO OUR TROOPS (5K, 10K & 1-Mile Freedom Fun Run) and make this Memorial Day a truly memorable one. Run, Walk or Jog and celebrate with us as we honor and recognize the men and women who serve our country!


Off the Beaten Path

Last March, I caught a toe while running the Catoctin trail near Maryland’s Gambrill State Park. The fall was so quick and so hard — face first into very pointy rocks — that it took me a few minutes to realize just how badly I’d hurt myself.

Once I got myself sitting upright it was immediately clear that my wrist was broken; the bones were not where they usually were.


News

It’s been more than two decades since Jackie Gruendel was in college, but the 44-year-old runner still competes — and excels — at college meets.

Gruendel, who lives in Clifton, is able to participate in meets as an unattached runner, and she ran 5:17.51 to place fifth in the women’s mile at the George Mason Patriot Games in January.