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

No Stopping Us Now!

We have plenty to chat about but here’s a few quick words:

Let’s get some Results going on Here!

Mother’s day weekend was full of activity, starting with the 9TH annual Dolphin Dash 5K at Ocean Lakes High School as David Harrison took the Top Spot in 17:31, while the Ladies had Carissa Pascanik grabbing first for the Females with a solid 20:21.

Just a few miles away, former Guiness World Record Holder, Drew Midland was flat out fast at the Equi-Kids Cross Country 5k in 18:36. Virignia Beach’s Nina Englund broke the tape for the women in 22:12, along Sandbridge Road.

That’s plenty of action but, a run on the “Wild Side” was on the menu in Norfolk. The always speedy Ryan Carroll took the 5k event in 15:36. (Is it my imagination or is he getting faster?) On the Ladies side, Yoko England was flying through the 3.1 mile course, taking the crown in 19:49.

Rocking down the highway, the Queens Lake 5K went to Mark Tompkins,with a strong 16:35. There must be something in the water as Jennifer Quarles, made Williamsburg proud for the Ladies with an 18:59. With all that speed going on, it had to be contagious. Mercedes Castillo-D’Amico, the 54 female from Newport News set an “Age Group” record for the course by posting a 19:50. That’s good enough to win some races outright! Congrats to you if you raced this weekend.

Also, I got the chance to watch some of the Virginia Beach Middle School City Championships at Tallwood High School. Let me just say this- Sometimes I think I might be running fast but, “WOW!” Some incredible efforts all around from Long Jumps, Relays, 800s, 1600s, the 200 and 100m Dash. Just Amazing!

So Where’s the Party?

This week shows no sign of taking a break: Check out the Girls on the Run 5K, starting at MacArthur Center in Norfolk.
Races are “down the road a piece”, with the Lytle Law 5K in Newport News.

Wanna go further? The Dominion Riverrock Filthy 5K Mud Run is Friday, while the James River Scramble 10K is Saturday. Combine that with the Thule Urban Assualt Mountain Bike Race, all near Richmond and that might be enough.

Not quite!
The Run for the Dream 8K goes off Saturday in colonial Williamsburg. it’s also featuring the the US Masters 8K Championships with 40 states being represented. Sunday, the Run for the Dream Half Marathon goes off at 7am. I’ll be taking a run on the Parkway. Maybe, I’ll see you there!

What Do You Know?

They say the future of a sport is in the Youth movement. I was lucky enough to get some time with Nick Mayers of the Virginia Beach Flames, a local Running group that has quite a resume of great runners. i could tell you about it but, why don’t you check my interview with Coach Nick:

Thanks, Coach Nick!

If you have any comments, or suggestions for a good story idea, drop me a line. I can’t do this without your feedback. Please share it with your Running friends as well.

That’s all this time. Maybe I’ll catch you… “On the Run!”

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