Saturday, January 20, 2001 -- Deep Creek, MD
UNO's Snowflake Chase
Story and photos by Julie Black

[2000 Coverage] [Details] [Coverage]
[Overall Results] [Results by Class]
Pictures: [Set 1] [Set 2] [Set 3] [Set 4] [Set 5]

The snowy scenery of Deep Creek Lake State Park

When the word "snowflake" is in the title of the race, and the location is Deep Creek, Maryland, one can certainly assume that there will be plenty of snow on the race course. Receiving 2 to 3 inches the night before the newly dubbed UNO's Snowflake Chase, there were some concerns that the race may be canceled. "It would take some really terrible weather to make us call off THIS race!" exclaimed dedicated race director, Dave Ritchie.

The temperature was nearly 28 degrees warmer than the previous year's Snowflake Chase, and with over 100 more new race faces signed up than in 2000, this year's Chase was already on it's way to becoming... one of the best yet.

Croyle and Williams
Kicking up some snow

Eighty four runners, and forty seven walkers shuffled around at the start, and after the starting gun was fired, a bright line of rainbow colored fleece descended down the state park road resembling a New Year's Day Parade.

At the end of the long and chilly 5 mile trek, there were two runners who emerged, running shoulder to shoulder around the last straight stretch of pines. Terry Croyle and Kevin Williams (as seen in the photo on the right), were literally battling to the finish while crossing the line in full stride with identical times of 27:33. It was Kevin Williams who was declared the Overall Winner by fractions of a second, setting a new course record!

Cruising to the finish

"I can beat the old record." said Saucony sponsored runner, Heather Bury a few days before the race. Bury did just that and then some. Bury lived up to her statement by finishing 1st for the women with a time of 31:48, which earned her a new course record, and the 10th Overall spot.

Last year's female champ Maureen Hall (36:48), stayed strong for 2nd, while Inga Olsen snagged 3rd in 37 minutes flat.

It was a stellar day for fast times, but the record setting didn't stop at the Overall Winners Category.

Hey, who's ready for some awesome UNO's pizza?

The excitement continued in the Masters Category. Coming back stronger than ever from his injuries, Ed Fronapfel set the new Men's Masters course record with a time of 29:19, finishing 5th Overall!

"Running on the snow made it difficult to get good traction." stated Fronapfel, "I started to kind of slouch, and I had to keep reminding myself to pick up the pace."

A determined, Mary Siemann(37:32), set the new Women's Masters course record, finishing 24th Overall.

Handing over the check to the Big Brothers & Big Sisters

At post-race time, participants and their family & friends flocked to UNO's Restaurant in Deep Creek. UNO's provided free beverages, as well as an endless array of fantastic tasting pizza, and a banquet room overlooking beautiful Deep Creek Lake. Racers could be seen warming up their toes by the fireplace with full bellies and big smiles.

Dave Ritchie presented the Garrett County Chapter of Big Brothers & Big Sisters with a check from all of the event's proceeds.

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