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

On The Run Again!

If you were one of the thousands that took part in the Color Me Rad 5k in Virginia Beach, congratulations on doing something very cool last Saturday. Running friends told me that they were still trying to get some of the colored corn starch out from under their fingernails. I ran past there watching the cars making their way to the Sportsplex. I even got a few “shoutouts” from some friends as well.

"Rad" Runners In Virginia Beach!

Up the road, the Colonial Heritage 5K in Lightfoot went to “FOB- Friend of the Blog”,Karen Terry, of Newport News in 18:55, while Daniel Shaye, another great Running friend, made Williamsburg proud, capturing the overall crown, with a 17:33. Over in Newport News, the 5K by the Bay went to Hampton’s Nick Parton,posting a strong 17:24, with Leslie Fedon, of Virginia Beach, The Fastest Female in 21:28.

Sunday, I was helping out the Foundation Fighting Blindness at the Oceanfront with their Charity Walk but, I got there jsut as the JFS 8K and 5K were winding down at 31st street. Congrats to Carl Bruggeman, first overall in the 8k, with a 32:55. Ashley Grosch took the Ladies crown with a 34:01. In the 5k, Chesapeake’s Mollie Turner was the overall winner with 19:32. Running stayed “All in the Family” as Mark Manny was “number one” for the guys with 21:30 but, speeedy wife Stephanie Manny was just ahead of him with a 20:09.

Mark Manny "On The Run!"

Time To Go Racin’!

Lots of running going down this week, starting with the Virginia Senior Games 5K Thursday, then Friday the Senior Games hit the 10K. Add in the Track and Field events Saturday and that’s a full weekend! Lee’s Friends Run on the Wildside 5K are at it again on Saturday, starting at the Norfolk Zoo. This has been a good time for all who stick around plus, when was the last time you went to the zoo?

On the Peninsula, the Queens Lake 5K at New Quarter Park dashes off with plenty of strong runners. Out in Virignia Beach, the EQUI-KIDS 5K & Hound Run takes off just off Sandbridge Road and across the line, the 29th Yuengling Nags Head Woods 5K completes a busy Saturday.

Late in The Run...

I have been seeing so many great runners in the area out recently, including Masters standout, Tom Purcell from Town Center Fitness, along with several others in my neighborhood. Then I realized, we are closing in on some exciting races like the 2012 USA Masters 8km National Championships on May 19th in Williamsburg, the Run for the Dream Half Marathon, the next day, while the following Memorial day weekend, the Elizabeth River 10k Run blitzes through the streets of Portsmouth. There are SO many NEW races this year, it’s good to be a Runner these days…

Lastly, a big “Good Luck” to the High School and Middle School runners competing at their City or District meets. With classes slowly winding down, the youth of Hampton Roads continue to keep it hot! To quote our Running Friend, Steve Speirs, “Bring your Best!”

Look for our Blog weekly here on WAVY.com or find archived blogposts at onthrunwithflex.wordpress.com. Whatever you’re training for, have an awesome weekend! Maybe I’ll catch you… “On The Run!”

See You "On The Run!"