The Latest Running News in the “757″ from Running Reporter, Jon “Flex” Leiding

Away We Go!

Speeding Through the Streets!

Wow! There were SO many races this past weekend, I started getting dizzy just reading some of the results! Saturday, the Tread at the Ted 5K, in Norfolk, proved for some good times for Men’s winner, Justin Turner in 16:07, along with Women’s Champ, 15 year old, Megan Dister in a quick 20:17.

At the Oceanfront, Chris Bradley ran away with the Capernaum 5K title, while good friend of the ‘blog, Elizabeth Campos, was the Fastest Female in 21:58. A few weeks ago, I accidentally stepped on her feet twice at the starting line in Sandbridge and she was in the Top Three. This time, she didn’t need my “help”.

In Newport News, Course Records were being served up at the Lytle Law 5K. Both Women’s Winner, Karen Terry, along with Portsmouth’s Ryan Carroll, the Overall Winner on the 3.1 mile course, erased the records set last year. Ryan crossed the tape in 16:17, while Karen posted a swift 19:29.

Back at the Beach on Sunday, Ryan Carroll captured his second win of the weekend at the Beacon of Hope 5K in 16:10. Another strong effort for the Ladies Winner, Amy Nesbitt, who rocked the course in 21:19.

Big Races in the ‘burg!

In what could have been the largest Running event in Williamsburg’s history, the Run for an Achievable Dream Masters 8K and Half Marathon sprinted through Colonial Williamsburg and even a trip out the Colonial Parkway. Over 4000 runners partook in the weekend’s events. Saturday, the Masters 8K Championships was won in course record time by Mbarek Hussein in an amazing 24:40! Williamsburg’s Masters Standout, Stephen Chantry,56, was the speediest from the “757″ with a Top 25 finish in 28:35. Masters Runners are considered anyone age 40 and above. This is one time where revealing your “true age” is okay!

Sunday, I was lucky enough to take on the very challenging Half Marathon course. Matt Krotech was the Men’s Winner in 1:09:28, while Kristin Herring took the Ladies Title in 1:28:06. Those of you who ran this one were able to see some of the race unfold between miles six and ten as the hills of Colonial Parkway provided some great scenery along the “out and back” area of the course.

After sweating the 13.1 miles in Williamsburg, it was time to get down to business. I had arranged a quick interview with Race Director Dave McGillivray. He’s also the Race Director of almost everyone’s dream race, the Boston Marathon. He was kind to chat with me for a moment and even discuss how the qualifying times are changing for that race and how he got involved in what I think will be a Race that will be on the yearly “must do” races. Here’s the interview:

Thanks to Dave and Walter Segaloff for hosting a fantastic event!

And, We’re Moving….

This weekend, all eyes will be on Portsmouth for the Elizabeth River 10K Run. Expect some great times and warm temperatures, according to Don Slater, in the WAVY Weather Center. In Newport News, the Chick-fil-A 5K will highlight the Peninsula action and Monday, the Yorktown Freedom Run 5K in Grafton will be loaded with talent. I’ll try to keep you informed. for our friends in the “Tri” world, the BRATS Salute to the Military Sprint Triathlon gets rolling in Vint Hill, VA.
As always, to learn more, check out colonial roadrunners.org, tidewaterstriders.com, peninsulatrackclub.com, or kalerunning.com.

Quick Hits and Then I’m Gone!

I saw the legendary Sportswriter, Jim Ducibella up in Williamsburg interviewing the Half Marathon Winner, Matt Krotech. To me, he’s one of the reasons I picked up the newspaper and read his thousands of articles. I may have to get him to chat with us sometime. Time will tell. Speaking of time, be on the lookout for my interview with Rick Platt, President of the Colonial Road Runners Club. I like his passion for the sport and will tell you more about some great races in the future.

We love your Feedback! It keeps this Blog going and the positive comments are very reassuring. Wherever your training takes you, be on the lookout! I might just catch you….”On The Run!” You can always find my archived blogposts at ontherunwithflex.wordpress.com, or weekly here at WAVY.com.

See you "On The Run!"

On the Run with Sportswrap Running Reporter, Jon “Flex” Leiding