The Latest Running News and Notes in Hampton Roads from Sportswrap Running Reporter, Jon “Flex” Leiding

A Whole Lot Of Shaking Going On!
I am telling you there’s something in the water: Former William and Mary All-American Sean Graham, of Alexandria, became just the 3rd runner ever to break the 15-minute barrier in a Colonial Road Runners Grand Prix race, winning the 3rd annual Run the D.O.G 5k in 14:57. The other two are also past W&M All-Americans–11-time All-American Matt Lane and 4-time All-American Ed Moran, who won the first two Run the DOG races in 14:13 with a Virginia state resident 5K record. On a side note, Ed, who also finished in the Tope ten at the New York City Marathon is prepping for the Olympic trials for London on the short track. Sportswrap Reporter Ali Lucia has been working on the story. We’ll keep you informed when it airs on WAVY TV 10 and FOX 43. Two-time Olympic Trials Marathon qualifier Renee High, a big friend of the blog, broke the women’s record in 17:53. That’s some amazing speed on both sides!

This Race was Dismal!

Our good friends at Mettle Events had another speedy Dismal Swamp Half Marathon, where Eric Chirchir, who won the Shamrock half just a month ago, took the Overall title with a 1:04:42. Forty-three year old,Angelika Averkova was the fastest female in 1:16:20. Amazing Age Graded efforts were put in by 50 year old Female, Firaya Sultanova-Lhdanova who sped thru the 13.1 miles in 1:21:38 and the amazing Bill Hart of Virginia Beach, 63, who was swift and strong with a 1:28:09. That’s some speed!

Boston Ate Everyone Up!

With temperatures in the upper 80s, nearly 4200 Runners opted NOT to run the Boston Marathon this past Monday. Where do I start to crow about our Hampton Roads friends?

Team Hoyt was well represented for the first time this year. Dennis Welch of Norfolk was an inspiration, Thomas Hicks showed all of Beantown they were wrong and that he belonged. Our friends we highlighted weeks ago with their Charity Runs, Ally Speirs ran with her husband Steve and Kate Handley, returned to Boston to shine along the course. There was Justin Turner, who even with the heat, still broke the Three hour Barrier, Billy Chorey, who’s always fast tore up the streets, and even 75 year old, Duane Luggee, of Norfolk made this Boston marathon one for the ages. Congratulations to ALL of you who went and conquered the 26.2 miles. It was quite an accomplishment!

Don’t Stop Believin’!

This weekend, the action will help you “hold on to that feelin…” with the Suffolk YMCA 5K and One mile Run Saturday morning, along with the Miles for Young Minds 5K at the Oceanfront, or take a trip to Williamsburg for the Walsingham Academy 5K. Sunday serves up the Thorogood Elementary 1 miler. Youngsters in the area really have been posting some fast times and this one is a perfect fit for them.

Wanna really get a Long run?

The Peninsula Track Club has the 24-Hour Ultra Run & Relay, beginning Saturday morning and ending Sunday morning, all at Sandy Bottom Nature Park. Sounds very challenging. Not quite ready for that but, still want to tear up the miles? Try the Full Bloom 50K and Half Marathon at Greenbrier Farm in Chesapeake. A little trip to the Outer Banks might be fun too! The Flying Pirate Half Marathon is this Sunday as well. if you’re racing this weekend, “Good Luck!”

My way of Saying “Thanks!”

SO MANY of you continue to turn your friends onto our little blog here, so for that, I am truly pleased you enjoy it. That said, I also like your input below. Thanks to Marie Johns for reminding us that Inspired Events had the Bunny Hop 5K and Thumper Run for ADA at the OneLife Chesapeake location on Easter weekend. A really nice location for a run.

Also, my friends- Let me know something about you: How many races have you run, or if you’re just starting out, or if you have a race on the “to do” list.

As always, appreciate the feedback! Maybe I’ll catch you next time… “On The Run!”

On The Run with Sportswrap Running Reporter, Jon “Flex” Leiding here on WAVY.com.