The Latest Running News in Southeastern Virginia from Sportswrap Running Reporter, Jon “Flex” Leiding

Back On the Run Again!

Still Sweating!

Congratulations to all of you who “endured” the Rock & Roll Half Marathon Weekend. Over 12,000 of you braved the humidity for the 7AM start. Great to see Hampton’s Francesca McCrory with her Gold Medal at the start. On a side note, Alana Springsteen belted out another great version of the Star Spangled Banner and got the crowd ready to storm the course.

Weather played a big factor with high humidity, forcing many to receive medical attention. I personally watched a runner wobble, then fall into the hands of a volunteer between Mile Nine and Ten. Luckily, the medical team was on top of it’s game and took great care of all who needed help.

With rock bands along the course, cheerleaders at almost every turn, and neighborhoods showing their civic pride and support, this is always a great way to say goodbye to the Summer season. Mens Winner, Nicholas Kurgat, turned in a strong effort in 1:04:45, while the Ladies Champion was 22 year old, Rei Ohara with a 1:13:50. Locally, Norfolk’s Will Christian was the fastest local male, in 1:07:43 & Renee High was the Fastest local Female in 1:22:54, both Top Ten Men’s & Women’s Finishers. Additionally, Virginia Beach’s Justin Turner blazed the hot course in 1:13:55.

New this year was the 5K “Mini Marathon”, won by 16 year old, Grant Wiggins from Virginia Beach, with a swift 17:07. Sixteen must’ve been a great age to race on this day as Hannah Balesi, of Chesapeake led the Ladies in 20:56.

Strong Willed Heroes

We featured the story of Justin Legg, the the retired Navy SEAL and double lung transplant survivor, who ran in memory of donor, Jarred McKinley Carter. If he raised $50,000, the Leukemia Lymphoma Society will name a research grant in honor of the teen who gave him a chance to breathe.

Additionally, my friend, Ray Johnson, of Virginia Beach completed his 11th Rock & Roll Half Marathon, having done all the local versions since it’s inception. This comes on the heels of a time when Ray was in a hospital, literally on his death bed a having to get back to walking, then getting back to running. This time was just as sweet.

The last two years, Team Hoyt has had Portsmouth’s Ryan Carroll pushing for Team Alana. His fundraising and perseverance paid off with this amazing 1:16:10. To put this in the right framework, his time would’ve placed him in the Top Five of the Elite Women, none who pushed a stroller.  Ryan, who recently turned 30, still amazes with his routine and races.

 Alana & Ryan On The Run!

What’s On the Menu this Week?

They say children are our future. That said, the Tidewater Striders start their Fall season for the New Energy Youth Running Group this week. Training sessions are in Norfolk, Virginia Beach and Suffolk. New Energy welcomes all youth runners, ages 6-16, regardless of ability. Practices are informal, and participants are encouraged to attend as many as possible. Runners must have a good pair of running shoes to avoid injuries. Uniforms (singlet and shorts) can be purchased, but are optional. Check their website at tidewaterstriders.com.

This week, the action keeps up the momentum with The Hare and Tortoise 8K at New Quarter Park Saturday. Gert registered by visiting hareandtortoiserunwalk.com. Throw in the Sunday 9/11 Memorial 5K Run at Old Dominion and you’ve got a full weekend on your plate. Sunday also features the Hampton Bay Days 8K going through Phoebus. To get in, check baydays8k.com.

We always chat up Running events, but Saturday, Jamestown hosts the Patriots Half Iron Triathlon. This features a 1.2 mile swim, 58 mile bike, and 13.1 mile run.   Last minute entrants can surf over to active.com/triathlon/williamsburg-va/patriots-half-triathlon-2012 to join in.  That’s some “SERIOUS” miles! Good Luck to all!

Feedback

As usual, I could not do this without all the great input I get from all our friends “On the Run!” SO many cool people take the time to give me advice, support, and irreplaceable experiences to share with you all. If you ever have a story idea, please feel free to drop me a line!  Special thanks to the Sports Team at the Sportswrap for keeping me in line.   I’ll be  looking forward to seeing you soon…“On The Run!”

See You “On The Run!“

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