The photo may look like she has sprouted wings and an extra pair of legs, but it is just CRR Jo Baird’s strong and determined finishing kick, as YoUDee—the University of Delaware mascot—peers over her shoulder while she finishes the UD Homecoming 5K last Wednesday. Baird was the second overall finisher and top woman, crossing the line in 18:44.
CRR Bruce Weber trailed Baird by just seven seconds, clocking a 18:51 in third place as the top master’s runner. CRR Bill Rose finished 13th overall and took third in the 50-59 age group with a 20:32. CRR Doug Repetti took second place among the 65-69s in 25:21.
CRR Anja Leefeldt took first in the 40-49 age group in 25:29, less than three seconds off the finishing time of the woman who took the top master’s place. (Leefeldt’s chip time was actually three seconds faster than the top master’s chip time, meaning she’ll have to get closer to the starting line in the future.) CRR Becky George took third in the 50-59 age group in 26:34.
Great results for Baird, who was training for the Marine Corps Marathon, and for many of the other Creek Road Runner women at this race. CRR Christine Schultz even raced in her UD-colored Homecoming tutu!
CRR Dave Schultz traveled just north of New York City to run the Shawangunk Ridge Trail Half-Marathon—a grueling 13.1 miles over rugged mountain terrain. The race website bills it as “an adventurous trail with scrambles and squeezes.” Well, it about squeezed every bit of energy out of the 52-year-old Schultz, who didn’t expect it to be quite as menacing. Beginning in Minnewaska State Park and ending in Rosedale, N.Y., he completed the course in just over three hours (3:01:45), finishing 19th overall (13th male finisher) and winning the men’s 50-59 age group.
Right here in Wilmington, CRR Bruce Weber had a very different experience, as he won the inaugural Last Alarm 5K, during which he figures he only ran about 4.67K. Though he had a significant lead over the second-place runner, Weber followed the lead of the city policeman’s motorcycle, who was leading the way but made a 180-degree turnaround too early in the middle of the race. So much for course management. Weber clocked in at 17:42 but figures he would have been closer to 19 flat and would have won anyway had he actually run 5K.
Creek Road Runners extends condolences to the family and friends of 84-year-old John Schultz, who was not one of our group but surely raced on Creek Road dozens of times over the past few decades. He was struck and killed by a truck while crossing the street at on Friday night. Rest in peace, John; your race is complete.