Category Archives: Racing

Plans for heading off to the races!

WRC Heads to Vienna for the Fourth

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Running has become as much a part of July 4th as fireworks and parades.

The Washington Running Club used to run a 5K in Potomac, Md., then head to Tris Kruger’s place, but that wholesome tradition has passed.

In my hometown of Atlanta, they’ve raced the Peachtree Road Race 10K every year since 1970. It’s now the largest road race in the world with 60,000 runners.

This year as a club we’re throwing our support behind the Potomac Valley Track Club‘s Go Fourth 8K at Centennial Park in Vienna, Va. Get directions.

This will also be the July race for WRC’s inaugural Grand Prix. Previously, the race was “to be determined.”

Race Registration is inexpensive by today’s standards at $8 for non-members. The course is described as “park trail, entirely flat.”

The winning time last year—albeit a different course—was just under 30 minutes for men and just under 33 minutes for women, so I know several members can beat that.

What’s not to be liked?

Sound The Klaxon! Grand Prix is Aweigh

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The Washington Running Club garnered recognition over the weekend as several members ran in Sunday’s Capitol Hill Classic 10K under the club’s team.

WRC finished in a respectable 7th place out of 44 teams (results). Finishers had their club name—Washington Running Club in our case—called out over the public address system as they finished.

Rachel Clattenburg (42:08), Julia Taylor (43:44), and Jerry Paulson (48:19) comprised the WRC team scorers. Julia finished second in her age group, getting nipped by a mere 11 seconds. Christine Hackman finished in fourth in the same age group while netting a 46:35.

Dan Yi—running for the Civil Rights Racers—ran an impressive 37:07 the day after running 30 miles in preparation for the upcoming Comrades Marathon on June 2nd.

The 10K’s team competition counted the top 3 finishers on the team with at least one being of the opposite sex.

This weekend’s race also marked the sixth race in WRC’s inaugural Grand Prix. Up-to-date standings show President Kirk Masterson leading the men’s division with an average age-graded score of 79.32% through three races.

Christine Hackman has the highest age-graded score on the women’s side with a 73.22%. Julia Taylor is just behind her with a 72.53%.

The age-graded scoring system is meant to account for age in performances and give runners of all ages an equal chance to compete on the same scale.

Runners must compete in 5 races to qualify for the Grand Prix—at least 4 from the selected races in the series, with the option of one performance from outside. The standings above don’t yet reflect the one elective race.

The next race in the WRC Grand Prix is the Lawyers Have Heart 10K on June 8.

Women Racing, Without the Possessives

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Nike Women Half Marathon
April 28, 2013, 7 am – Washington DC
WRC results are available here.

Carla Freyvogel poses with her daughter, Grace Eginton, in their respective club singlets and matching teal sneakers, in front to the NWHM Start/Finish line, at 10th and Pennsylvania Ave, NW. Photo courtesy of W.T.F.

Carla Freyvogel poses with her daughter, Grace Eginton, in their respective club singlets and matching teal sneakers, in front to the NWHM Start/Finish line, at 10th and Pennsylvania Ave, NW. Photo courtesy of W.T.F.

Race day started as the best of all running weather days. Cool, sunny, low humidity. It was really Washington DC at its finest; the monuments glowed white, the streets were clean swept and the trees were a new green. A great day to run a half marathon.

15,000 women and Dan Yi did just that. Continue reading →

Louder Than Bombs (four helpful things)

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Two clubs, two singlets, two cities, together!

Two clubs, two singlets, two cities, together!

We are lucky that no member or family member of the club was impacted by the shameful attack at the finish line of the Boston Marathon on April 15th. However, we are greatly saddened by the three four deaths and hundreds of grievous injuries suffered by our running community brethren. Our club extends its condolences and sympathy to all those directly affected. Furthermore, our full support goes to the B.A.A. and the City of Boston. Boston is greater than any bomber.

WRC wishes to voice a solidarity that is louder than bombs, by continuing to participate in the sport we love, exercised within a kind of free and open society that we require. So, as far as this upcoming weekend goes, here are four things which WRC is doing. Please join us. Continue reading →

WRC Heading for Boston

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The B.A.A. Weather Coordinator appears to have done well this year with getting the temperature under control. We are looking at a high in the upper 50’s. WRC is fielding teams in the both the women’s and men’s team competitions.

The WRC Women’s Team is comprised of Emily Buzzell, Rachel Clattenburg, and Raquel Morgan. The WRC Men’s Team is comprised of Drew Killian, Brian Savitch, and Mark Wright. Other Sunday Distance Run regulars running in Boston include Alan Pemberton and Max Lockwood.

As best we can tell, the club last fielded scoring teams at the Boston Marathon back in 2007 (summary). Historically, the club has finished as high as 2nd in the Men’s team competition back in 1977 (article), and won the Women’s team competition in 1983 (newsletter); all of which is notably before the obtainable records of past team champions.

The WRC singlet is packed. More to follow from Boston. Good luck to everyone!