Seeing a female runner in that country was rare, something Nina hoped to change.
These words come from Maggie Lloyd’s 2016 RunWashington remembrance of Nina Brekelmans, a runner, scholar and activist who was killed four years ago in an apartment fire near Dupont Circle.
As Lloyd noted in her article, Nina’s story “is still far from complete.” But thanks to family members, friends and supporters, Nina’s vision is indeed moving forward.
In Amman, Jordan, where she had studied, Nina envisioned empowering young women through running. That’s happening today, as last month, a fourth annual camp and race named in her honor culminated with record participation.
As the Nina Brekelmans Memorial Foundation, Fulbright U.S. Student Program, and Jordanian partners gear for their 5th season, a fundraising event for the camp and race will be held in partnership with Pacers Running and RunWashington.
Experience a joyous evening featuring appetizers and drinks, raffles and silent auction items ranging from Nationals tickets to yoga classes and entries to the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run. All proceeds will benefit the Nina Brekelmans Memorial Foundation and its programs supporting young female runners and refugees in Jordan.
Register: http://ninabrekelmansmemorial.org/dc19
Several distance runners with local connections will compete in the NCAA Track and Field Championships June 5-8 in Austin, Texas.
1,500 meters – Ryan McGorty – William and Mary / Chantilly High School
Rachel Pocratsky – Virginia Tech/ Our Lady of Good Counsel
Alexandra Lucki – Maryland
3,000 meter steeplechase – Fitsum Seyoum – Virginia Tech / Tuscarora High School
5,000 meters – Caroline Alcorta – Villanova/ West Springfield High School
Weini Kelati – New Mexico/ Heritage High School
Josette Norris – Georgetown
10,000 meters – Caroline Alcorta – Villanova/ West Springfield High School
Weini Kelati – New Mexico/ Heritage High School
In high school state meet action, Washington Latin’s Luke Tewalt won the 800, 1600, 3200 and ran a leg of the winning 4×800 meter relay team at the DCSAA championships and Loudoun Valley’s boys swept the top seven places in the Virginia 4A 3200 meters.
Name: Daniel Ahern
Self – described age group: 50-54
Residence: Logan Circle
Occupation: Public Affairs
Why you run: To beat my little brother. Every summer we meet in Falmouth, Mass., with family and friends to race seven miles through the shady early hills, then the exposed beach segment towards the mile five Allen Avenue cheering station, while turning for home up to the hill with a fast finish on the downslope. The loser has to adorn the champion with a medal and recite “you are the better runner this year, and I only hope to be your equal.” I haven’t had to say those words in many years. I could probably slow my pace and make these races competitive, but I only know one speed. And before you start feeling sorry for him, he’s a Jets fan. He’s used to losing.
Name: Madeline Shepherd
Self-described age group: 30-34
Residence: Washington, D.C.
Occupation: Nonprofit Lobbyist
Why you run: Running is my alone time, when I can tune into the pattern of my footsteps and breathing and tune out everything else.
When did you get started running: I realized that I enjoyed running when I was working to make the varsity volleyball team in high school, but I didn’t start running for its own sake until after college. I was inspired by friends and former classmates running half and full marathons and thought I would give it a try. After my first half marathon in 2010, I was hooked.
New York Times writer and documentary producer Lindsay Crouse discusses her recent work reporting how pro running contracts treat pregnancy. It’s a surprise early episode.
Here’s a little more on it, and even more!
- Georgetown alumna Rachel Schneider’s 15:06.71 at the USATF Distance Classic May 16 at Occidental College put her under the 2020 Olympic qualifying time of 15:10.
- ArlNow reported that the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ Transportation Planning Board approved $680,000 in assistance for 13 projects, including one to look into options to close a gap near the East Falls Church Metro station.
- A variety of distance runners with local connections will compete in the NCAA Track and Field Championships, starting with the regional finals this weekend:
Olympic marathoner Jared Ward recounts his eighth-place finish at Boston, his race in Rio, training in Utah and being an adjunct professor at BYU.
Name: Dale Learn
Self-described age group: 45-49
Residence: Washington, DC
Occupation: Attorney, Law Partner
Volunteer roles in the running world: I have volunteered at several race water stops, finish lines, etc. for my running club, the Potomac Runners. I have also volunteered to coach track and interval training for my club. The most rewarding volunteer roles have been when I have helped get once non-runners into the sport by given advice and training tips.
Why you run: There are SO many reasons why I run. It is SUCH a central element of who I am – It grounds me, makes me feel like I have done something good for myself, is great stress relief, and is a good way to venture out into a new place. Plus, you are never as free as when you are out there and you body is in a good running rhythm and just humming along.
When did you get started running: My oldest brother was a good runner and I enjoyed watching going to his meets, especially cross county. I did local youth track, but started full time running in junior high school and continued through high school and in college (Go Dawgs!!).
Chris Morgan, executive chef at Compass Rose and Maydan, shares his professional path, seasoned with a dash of running along the way.
- Jim Vandak, race director for the Army Ten-Miler for the past 22 years, will retire at the end of May. During his tenure, the race has sported among the 15 most finishers in the United States and topped the D.C. area’s races.
- General registration for the Army Ten-Miler opens at 7 a.m. Wednesday, May 15.
- Four D.C.-area trails will form the eastern end of a continuous trail network that will reach Seattle, the Rails to Trails Conservancy announced. The National Mall, Rock Creek Trail, Capital Crescent Trail and C&O Canal Towpath will take the trail from the U.S. Capitol out to Cumberland, Md. and beyond.
- The D.C. Road Runners Track Championship will serve as the championship of the Eastern Track League, which comprises the District Track Club, the Hoka One One New Jersey-New York Track Club, the Atlanta Track Club, Furman Elite and the Nashville Track Club. The league formed to give elite runners in the eastern United States competitive opportunities in advance of the national championships in July.
- The Maryland State Private Schools Cross Country Championships, Nov. 9, will move to Georgetown Prep.
- Three runners with local connections qualified for the IAAF Outdoor World Championships in the 5,000 meters at the Peyton Jordan Invitational. Loudoun Valley alumnus Drew Hunter ran 13:21.18, Lee alumnus Josef Tessema ran 13:22.28 and Georgetown alumna Rachel Schneider ran 15:21.44.
- A bevy of local distance runners won NCAA Division I conference championships this outdoor track season:
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