aturday, January 22, 2000 -- Deep Creek, MD
Snowflake Chase 5/10 Miler
Story & photos by Julie Bertsch

[Coverage] [5 Mile Results] [10 Mile Results] Pics: [Set 1] [Set 2]

Boy, I sure could use a hot chocolate right about now!

At 10 am, on January 22nd, over 30 runners braved one of the coldest days that Garrett County has seen in the last 10 years. Decked out in their best fleece, only the die-hard runners were outside stretching at the starting line in the 2 degree weather. The annual Snowflake Chase, a 5 and 10 mile run hosted by the Queen City Striders of Cumberland, Maryland, was getting ready to start. Most everyone agreed, "The faster we get started, the better...Brrrr!"

Maureen Hall kicks it in to finish 3rd overall in the 5 miler

Race Director, Dave Ritchie said, "We've certainly had more snow than this, and we've run in 15 degree weather too, but it's never been THIS cold!"

The long course was run on the snow covered, Deep Creek Lake State Park road. Runners could see the frozen lake, complete with ice fisherman as a scenic backdrop through the trees as they ran the out and back path. Pulling ahead in the last few miles of the 5 mile race was Jimmy Railey. Railey kept a steady pace, 10 seconds ahead of Jeff Smith(32:55), to finish 1st overall in the 5 miler with an excellent time of 32:45. Maureen Hall finished 1st for the women, and 3rd overall with a great time of 34:51.

Running through scenic, Deep Creek Lake State Park

In the 10 mile race Tony Yurko and Don Foust cruised to the downhill finish, but it was Yurko who took the overall win in 1:06:14. Foust(1:11:48), was not far behind as he finished 2nd. Mary Jane Banick finished 1st for the women and 11th overall.

Everyone was happy to get some hot beverages when the race was all over. Temperatures may have been low, but spirits were certainly high as this amazing group, many who were over 40 years old, went outside to do some intense winter distance running. Thanks to all who made this event possible. Special thanks goes out to Dave Ritchie who was so helpful, and Robert "Nut" Hall for the speedy results. We'll see you next year!