The Downs Park 5-miler, now in its 41st year, was held last Saturday. Organized by the Annapolis Striders and directed for many years by Ross Heisman, this low-key race features a fabulous tour of Pasadena’s Downs Park and is a fixture on the fall scene.
This year the weather couldn’t have been any better as the perfect sunrise highlighted the fall colors and the Chesapeake Bay as runners took in a romp through the park with its varying vistas, including deep forests and early morning views of the Bay Bridge.
Originally named the Hog Neck Scamper because of its proximity to Hog Neck Road, the race had 143 runners cross the finish line. Taking first overall was Matthew Metz with a time of 28 minutes, 6 seconds, while William Allen II finished second in 28:37.
On the women’s side, U’tonna Brown was first overall with a time of 34:41 and Colleen Gibson was second in 35:18. Masters winners were Dave Walser (29:56) on the men’s side and Kendra Smith (37:15) on the women’s side.
The youth categories were well represented, too. In the 19-and-under division, 17-year-old Kenneth Travis was the top male in 28:55 with Griffin Tabar, 12, and Grantham Tabar, 9, taking second and third in 37:26 and 42:43, respectively.
Taylor Gilligan, 12, was the first female finisher in that age group in 38:41 with Heidi Schmidt, 12, and Miranda White, 9, following in 59:26 and 1:01:11.
Not to be outdone, the men’s 70-and-over category featured strong competition with 73-year-old Ronald Twist taking first overall in 43:01. Al Guerieri, 72, was second in 45:56 and Eric Gyaki, 76, was third in 48:53.
The lone women’s finisher in that age group was 76-year-old Marie Delanye, who won with a time of 1:13:08.
Congratulations to all the runners and volunteers who continue this fall tradition.
Greasy-Gooney 10K
The Greasy Gooney 10K, now in its 26th year, was Oct. 26. Held in Browntown, Virginia, the event is directed by longtime Annapolis Strider Karsten Brown and is challenging road race through the incredibly scenic Blue Ridge foothills.
It is one of the best race names around as it is named after the Gooney Manor Loop and the Greasy Run Valley.
This low-key event is a U-shaped run with a climb up to mile three, gaining nearly 500 feet, and then a fast downhill finish with runners receiving the coveted Greasy Gooney beanie.
Many local competitors have taken on this course throughout the years, but the Virginia runners took top honors this year with Scott Davis placing first overall in 40:19 (6:29 per mile) and West Virginia’s Mariah Donovan finishing first among female entries and fifth overall in 43:21.
Proceeds from the race throughout the year have benefited the Browntown Community Center Association and the Humane Society of Warren County.
Congratulations to the runners and volunteers, especially Karsten Brown, for continuing this tradition that draws runners far beyond its location to enjoy the fall foliage of the Shenandoah area.
Calendar
Nov. 24: Girls of the Run 5K, UMBC Catonsville. Information: gotrchesapeake.org/5k
Dec. 8: Annapolis Striders Anniversary Run 15K, Quiet Waters Park. Information: annapolisstriders.org
Dec. 14: Celtic Solstice 5 Miler, Druid Hill Park, Baltimore. Information: corrigansports.com/event/celtic-solstice/
Send running news and calendar items to Bob Cawood at rhbc@cawoodlawfirm.com.