Marathon

Boston Benny

Published April 14, 2014 at 12:20PM | Updated August 10, 2015 at 12:26PM

Phil Stewart and Ben Beach stand on Boyleston Street after the crowds cleared from the truncated 2013 Boston Marathon. Photo: Carter M. Beach

Don’t feel sorry for Ben Beach.

Yes, his goal of a string of 45 consecutive Boston Marathon finishes seemed to end on a closed course just miles from the finish line last year, where two bombs rocked the city and the nation. And yes, a 46th consecutive finish would have made Beach, from Bethesda, the sole record holder for consecutive finishes, an achievement he had worked toward all of his adult life. He didn’t get to cross the finish line as planned and for two months, his streak’s fate was in limbo.

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Aiming high at Boston

By Natalie DiBlasio

Published April 14, 2014 at 10:43AM | Updated August 10, 2015 at 12:26PM

Scott Allen, winning the 2012 Clarendon Day 10k. Photo: Swim Bike Run Photography

If the conditions are right, competitive marathoner Scott Allen, 27, of Washington, D.C., has his eyes on a PR in Boston.

It’s an ambitious goal.

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Reston Marathon runners withstand sampling of weather

By Charlie Ban

Published March 31, 2014 at 12:56AM | Updated August 10, 2015 at 12:26PM

Two runners brave the freezing rain at the Runners Marathon of Reston. Photo: Charlie Ban

Registering for a marathon is speculation. Runners slap down their entry fees and play the averages, hoping for a good day months away. When a few hundred signed up for the Runners Marathon of Reston, forcing a sellout two months in advance, they bet that the late March race date would keep it out of the reach of winter weather.

No dice.

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It’s good to get ahead at the Rock ‘n’ Roll USA races

By Dustin Renwick

Published March 15, 2014 at 8:02PM | Updated August 10, 2015 at 12:27PM

Gregory Mariano, Thomas O'Grady and Patrick Kuhlmann head up Rock Creek Parkway in mile 6 of the Rock 'n' Roll USA Half Marathon. Photp: Bruce Buckley/ Swim Bike Run Photography

The leaders at the Rock ’n’ Roll USA Marathon left no doubts. Across the board, between the half marathon and the full 26.2 miles, both the men’s and women’s races held little suspense. Local runners represented the area well in the top groups of finishers, and after an endless winter, runners rejoiced for sunshine and warm temperatures on race day.

HALF MARATHON

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Calway notches MCM title, Olympic Trials qualifier

By Charlie Ban

Published October 28, 2013 at 11:30AM | Updated August 10, 2015 at 12:28PM

Army Capt. Kelly Calway just after the 19 mile mark of the Marine Corps Marathon. Photo: Jimmy Daly

With a strong lead in the Marine Corps Marathon, Army Capt. Kelly Calway had her opportunity–run harder now or spend seven months regretting it. With an impending deployment to Kuwait waiting for her a week later, the cool day in Washington was her chance to take care of qualifying for the U.S. Olympic Trials.

She was able to pull things together and close out the race with a 2:42:15, 45 seconds to spare and a 5:48 lead over Gina Slaby. She finished 25th in the 2012 Olympic Trials while running in the Army’s World Class Athlete Program.

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Marine Corps midpackers find a lot to like

By Charlie Ban

Published October 28, 2013 at 9:23AM | Updated August 10, 2015 at 12:28PM

Marine Corps Marathon runners relax and convalesce after the race. Photo: Jimmy Daly

Much like Girma Bedada and Kelly Calway‘s efforts, Mike Kunzer‘s race at the Marine Corps Marathon was the culmination of years of preparation and training.

But Kunzer wasn’t focused on winning the race. He was thrilled to have finished, and it showed on his ebullient face.

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Marine Corps Marathon spectators prove running is a team sport

By Dickson Mercer

Published October 27, 2013 at 11:13PM | Updated August 10, 2015 at 12:28PM

Spectators cheer for family and friends along Jefferson Drive along the National Mall. Photo: Jimmy Daly

They hold their signs proudly while their eyes scan the road.

It’s not easy: being in the right place at the right time.

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Men’s MCM winner holds lead for more than 25 miles

By Charlie Ban

Published October 27, 2013 at 10:59PM | Updated August 10, 2015 at 12:29PM

Wire-to-wire.

It almost has no place in any talk about a marathon, maybe only in a tall tale. The race is too long, too grueling, too open to disruption.

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Government reopens, sparing Marine Corps Marathon

By Charlie Ban

Published October 16, 2013 at 1:46AM | Updated August 10, 2015 at 12:29PM

The government shutdown could mean cancellation of the Marine Corps Marathon if not resolved by Friday. Pictured is Bethesda's Maria Kozloski closing in on the 2012 finish. Photo: Cheryl Young

With the reopening of the federal government Thursday, the Marine Corps Marathon is back on for Sunday, Oct. 27.

The Marine Corps Marathon had announced, via Facebook, that the continued government shutdown imperiled the race. If the federal budget situation hadn’t been resolved by Saturday, Oct. 19, organizers would have had to postpone or cancel the race.

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Marine Corps Marathon to debut lottery next year

By Charlie Ban

Published October 6, 2013 at 8:18PM | Updated August 10, 2015 at 12:29PM

Runners cross the Key Bridge four miles into the 2012 Marine Corps Marathon. Photo: Cheryl Young

The Marine Corps Marathon will debut a registration lottery in 2014, a year after frustrations with registration management service Active caused thousands difficulty while they tried to register.

As announced in this year’s race guide, the lottery will open Feb. 23 and close March 15, and runners selected for the race will be notified March 19. The marathon has agreed to a multi-year contract with Race IT to manage registration.