- The portion of Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park between Broad Branch Road and Joyce Road reopened, but the stretch between Joyce and Wise Road. along with parts of several trails bordering that area, has closed for a year for resurfacing. Ross Drive and Ridge Road, which had been closed to traffic, have reopened.
- Three local high school track coaches were named coach of the year for their states by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. Northwest High School’s Robert Youngblood was named top boys’ coach for Maryland. D.C.’s coaches of the year were Desmond Dunham of St. John’s College High School (for girls) and Tia Clemmons of Woodrow Wilson High School for boys.
- A one-mile stretch of the W&OD Trail in Falls Church will see a dual-use section added in the next year to separate cyclists from pedestrians. The Sun Gazette reports that a total of $3.7 million will go toward the study and construction of an 8-foot wide path for pedestrians, separated by a 2-foot-wide median.
- Greater Greater Washington is circulating a petition opposing security checkpoints at the entrances to the National Zoo.
It’s free and the best way to reach runners in the D.C. area looking for a race. If your local race is between September and next April and you have it on the race calendar before July 31, it will be included in the next magazine.
Submit your event here
Local masters runner Dixon Hemphill, who once owned the Fairfax Running Center and directed the Golbin Gallop, talks about running into his 90s and getting hit by a car when he was 74.
Sophie Tedesco runs for George C. Marshall High School and started writing for RunWashington in 2018. She wrote this summer about the difference it makes for young runners to see high-quality races up close. Read more of her work here.
Name: Sophie Tedesco
Self-described age group: High School
Residence: McLean, Va.
Occupation: Student
Why you run: I started running to meet people before starting high school, and I now I run because I love the joy I feel and strength I discover from pushing myself. I also love my team and being surrounded by people with similar goals and drive.
When did you get started running: I started running my freshman year of high school when I joined the cross country team.
Have you taken a break from running: I take a short break in-between seasons, and I took two months off from running last summer because I had tendonitis in my knee.
Training shoe: Saucony Freedom ISO 2
Coach or training group: Darrell General, George C. Marshall High School Cross Country, and Track teams.
The hardest race you’ve ever run: My first ever cross country race was on a sweltering hot day in late August, and after a blazing first mile I completely died. Struggling through the last two hilly miles was probably the most painful experience of my running career. Even my competitors knew I was hurting as people were patting me on the back as they passed me. If nothing else, it was an introduction to the wonderful community and camaraderie running creates.
Most adventurous decision you’ve made with your running: I started trail running with a teammate this past winter. For someone who had only run on pavement and cross country courses before, it felt like an adventure, but I absolutely love it.
Running mentors: My coach, Darellel General, is a running mentor and inspiration to me because is truly one of the most hard-working and determined people I have met. He has helped me find and harness the same drive and determination within myself.
My favorite place to run in the D.C. area is: Roosevelt Island and the Mount Vernon Trail
Favorite local trail: The Cross County Trail
My best race was: 2017 Octoberfest Cross Country Race. I felt relaxed and focused throughout and ran a personal best.
Ideal post-run meal: A smoothie and a bagel.
Goals: To focus on the positive elements of every run and harness my competitive nature in racing.
Your advice for a new runner: Set goals that excite you and find people whose company make running an activity you look forward to.
Favorite running book: First Ladies of Running by Amby Burfoot
Have you dealt with a major injury: I had tendonitis in my right knee that kept me from running for two months a year, but after focusing on hip strength I have not experienced any other injuries.
Running quote: All it takes is all you got
Why is the D.C. area a great place to be a runner: There is a huge variety of terrain and trails nearby, from woods to urban sidewalks, that add fun diversity to running if you are looking for it.
John Riker, who recently graduated from T.S. Wootton High School, started writing for RunWashington in 2018 and is now a student at Northwestern University. He recently wrote about the new power line trail in Montgomery County. Read more of his writing here.
Name: John Riker
Self-described age group: 18-34
Residence: Northwestern University
Occupation: Student/Journalist
Volunteer roles in the running world: None
Why you run: I run because I enjoy it and hope to use my talents to make a positive impact on others.
When did you get started running: Seventh grade, to condition for basketball tryouts
Have you taken a break from running: Not yet!
Training shoe: Brooks
Coach or training group: Northwestern Club Running
The hardest race you’ve ever run: Nike Cross Southeast Regionals 2018, because of the muddy, chilly conditions and the talented competition.
Most adventurous decision you’ve made with your running: Long runs in rural Romania
Running mentors: High School coaches Kellie Redmond, Jacob Buxton, and Matthew Davis
My favorite place to run in the D.C. area is: Bohrer Park/Gaithersburg High School
Favorite local trail: C&O Canal
My best race was: The 3200-meter run at the 2019 Maryland State Track and Field Championships. The race was my best performance physically and mentally, and it ended my high school career on a high note.
Favorite local race: Devil Run at Cougar Relays, both as a competitor and spectator
Ideal post-run meal: Italian Ice, as a reward
Favorite flavor of gel, gu, etc: None
Pet peeve: Wet socks
Goals: To keep enjoying running and meet more people!
Your advice for a new runner: Go for it. Always put yourself in a position to compete to reach your goal, whether that’s place, time, or strategy. Even if you fail, you’ll have done it the right way.
Favorite running book: Running for My Life by Lopez Lomong
Song in your head during a run: Oh We Rollin by Wootton XC
Have you dealt with a major injury: No, thankfully
Running quote: “You can run up the hill, but the team takes you up the mountain.” -Peyton Eppard
Why is the D.C. area a great place to be a runner: I love D.C.’s combination of beautiful running paths and areas and the passionate running community.
Name: Laurance Frierson
Self-described age group: 35
Residence: Adams Morgan
Occupation: Attorney; moonlight artist
Why you run: Hot days when you’re mashing footsteps smooth enough to tickle trees; nights when you are small with the fireflies; and pack running when breathing becomes a language.
Read More
Rockville resident Lokesh Meena ran an Indian and Asian record for the indoor marathon at the Grant-Pierce Indoor Marathon June 24. He won the race at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center in 3:13:19.
The Atlantic 10 Conference has nominated Sherwood alumna Grace McDonald for the NCAA Woman of the Year award. McDonald ran track and cross country at the University of Dayton and was active in several extracurricular activities before graduating this Spring.
Herndon alumna Hiruni Wijayarante set the Sri Lankan record in the 10,000 meters, running 33:55.06 at the Portland Track Classic in June.
The midway point of 2018 is a good time to check your runner ranking and make sure your results are showing up for all of the races you’ve run. To qualify for the year-end rankings, you will have had to have run three ranked races in the first six months and three in the second six months.
Here’s the list of ranked races
If there’s a discrepancy – like seeing yourself listed with two different variations of your name, contact [email protected].
