2009-05-18
Delaware Marathon Festival of Races recap, Upcoming Races
Christiana Care Delaware Marathon, Half, 4 person relay
Dave McCorquodale's summary:
Yesterday the sixth annual version of the Christiana Care Delaware Marathon with 4 person relay and half marathon took place. The start/finish area was changed from the Frawley Stadium area to Tubman-Garrett park near the Wilmington train station because of ongoing construction and a conflict for parking with the Wilmington College graduation ceremonies at the Chase Center. This made for less tailgating although a few group could reserve a spot along the Riverwalk.
The new start also precipitated multiple course changes. Gone was the relatively easy flatter versions of the course. Also gone was the ten mile first loop, both for the marathon and the relay. Instead, a two-loop course of 13.1 miles was created, which went through more scenic areas of the city, including S. Park Drive, Kentmere Parkway, Bancroft Parkway and Wawaset Park. Of course, this also created a hillier course. But overall, people seemed pleased with the new course.
The new layout allowed the race to scrap the ten miler in favor of a half-marathon. The result was immediate as this race sold while the ten miler had never come close to selling out. All of the events went off with only some minor glitches.
One question that came up was whether the electrolyte fluid, Vitalyte, was causing people gastric distress of some sort. Personally, I had my fair share during the marathon and did not have a problem. But a couple women running near me apparently had to stop each four times at portapotties. Another male runner said he had two cups before the half-marathon and then almost immediately felt like he had to use ta portapotty. Online investigation reveals mostly positive reviews, much of it generated by the company, saying that it helps reduce gastric problems. So any feedback from other runners would be appreciated.
This year the marathon actually produced a couple top finishers from Delaware as Sarah Milby of Newark was the overall female winner in 3:05:17 and Carolyn House of Wilmington was the third female in 3:11:23.
Representing PCVRC were many members participating on one of the 150 relay teams, including many of the ten rebel runner teams.
In the marathon, there were three club finishers. I want to lobby right here that the marathon should continue five year age groupings for winning beyond age 70. It is unfair that a 76 year old has to compete with runners five and six years younger. Besides, I hope that in twelve years I'll still be running the Delaware Marathon and I'd like to know I have a fair shot at winning an age-group.
PCVRC Marathon finishers:
Margie Hughes 3:56:15 Boston Qualifier
Dave McCorquodale 4:06:44 Boston Qualifier 3rd 60-64
John Schultz 5:35:39
PCVRC Half-Marathon finishers:
Teresa Kauffman 1:39:26 1st 40-49
Carole Feole 1:45:02 2nd 50-59
Gurinder Signh 1:54:10
Help along the way...
From our volunteer coordinator, Ray Christensen:
Thanks again to all who helped out, from stuffing packets to loading
containers with water station supplies. At the pasta dinner, Claire Neilan, Rachel Bleacher and Dan Weintraub collected money from around 200 participants.
On Bancroft Parkway, our course marshals consisted of Bob Taggart, Dan Weintraub, Dave Farren, Karin Pszczola, Ray Christensen, Florian Nettesheim & girlfriend Samantha. Non-members John Learish, Tim Hodson, Quillan Donnelly and his father helped fill some vacant positions and Dan W. even recruited some spectators to assist at the relay turn-around point. We were pleased to attempt to make the course a little safer. A special shout out to Delaware Dave who volunteered to come out at the last minute when his
schedule allowed!
PCVRC Table at Delcastle Rec. Area - Saturday 5/30 8am-4pm
The Club plans to set up a table at Delcastle to hand out free water to runners and walkers throughout the day. It will be a community service effort to meet people, introduce ourselves, offer information, and recruit new members. We'll be located near the "Start/Finish" line and the Tennis parking area and
will have cold water, club brochures and membership forms to hand out.
We still need more help! If you can commit to a 2 hour shift (especially noon thru 4pm), let Ray know your time preferences. If you can't commit, we hope you can stop over any time during the day to say hello or go for a run. All are encouraged to wear club T-shirts or other club gear!
Footnotes
In a note from Bruce Hubbard: It is worthy of mention that Joe Robinson, WJBR's man on the scene of Delaware Road racing, passed away last week. While not known to the newer members, he was loved by the rest of us.
Girls On the Run, the program designed to get girls excited about running and fitness, is holding its fourth annual 5K at Rockford Park on May 30. This race is open to all runners. Kelly Horowitz is coaching a team this year and has found it to be a more pleasant experience than she imagined.
The Mary Husty 5K, scheduled for Memorial Day, May 25, has been cancelled. Those who pre-registered may expect refunds from race director, Dan Sullivan.
The next race in the Off-road Trail Series, the Wissahickon Trail 10K, is scheduled for Saturday, June 6 at 9:00 A.M. For more info, go to: http://www.Wissahickontrailclassic.org. Note that the printed Off-Road sUSATF schedule lists the wrong time.
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Run, Race, Enjoy!
