race

Shutdown Changes 10-Miler Route, Puts Marathon in Jeopardy

By ARLnow.com

Army 10 Miler (courtesy photo)

Update at 2:15 p.m. on October 17 — Because Congress came to an agreement last night that re-opened the government, both the Army Ten-Miler and the Marine Corps Marathon will proceed as originally planned.

The route of the Army 10-Miler race has been changed and the Marine Corps Marathon is in jeopardy due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, ARLnow.com has learned.

The 10-Miler, which is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 20, starts and finishes near the Pentagon in Arlington. Originally slated to cross the Memorial Bridge into D.C., the course has been altered so that the race will cover more distance in Arlington, thus avoiding National Park Service territory impacted by the shutdown.

Runners will now double back on Route 110, heading southbound before crossing the 14th Street HOV bridge into D.C., according Lt. Dave Green, of the Arlington County Police Department Special Operations Section, which coordinates road closures for large events.

Shaunteh Kelly, media relations coordinator for the race, could not immediately confirm the route changes when reached by ARLnow.com.

Marine Corps Marathon scenes (photo by Wolfkann)The situation is more dire for the Marine Corps Marathon, which is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 27. The race may be postponed or canceled if Congress doesn’t act to reopen the government by the end of the week, we’re told exclusively.

“I don’t want to put people in panic mode, but if as of Friday evening the government is still closed, it’s probably not going to happen,” Lt. Green said of the race.

Green said police agencies are still “plowing ahead” on the assumption that the government shutdown will be lifted in time.

“As of right now all participating jurisdictions are moving forward as if it is going to take place,” he said.

Tami Faram, spokeswoman for the marathon, said that organizers were still planning for the race to go on. As reported by Runner’s World, Marine Corps Marathon staff is paid with non-appropriated funds, and thus not subject to furloughs.

“From our standpoint… we’re continuing to plan for Sunday, October 27,” said Faram.

“We’re waiting with everyone else,” she said of the shutdown. “We just don’t have a crystal ball.”

Faram would not confirm whether a cancellation or postponement is possible should the government remain shut down. She did note, however, that 60 percent of the race is run on National Park Service property.

According to Green, too much of the 26.2 mile race is on federal property to make changes in the route feasible. That includes the marathon’s iconic finish, at the Marine Corps War Memorial in Rosslyn.

The marathon has never been canceled in its 37 year history. The race was run last year despite Hurricane Sandy barreling down on the East Coast. The storm hit Washington after the race finished.

Should any changes be made regarding the race, Faram said, information will be posted on the Marine Corps Marathon website and Facebook page.

Update at 8:55 p.m. — The Marine Corps Marathon released a statement tonight via Facebook.

Dear Runners,

Since the government shutdown occurred, the Marine Corps Marathon continues its coordination with hopes of a conclusion in time to host the event without impact. Without a resolution to the government shutdown this week, the MCM as planned is in jeopardy of being cancelled.

While still considering and exploring all possible options, the MCM has targeted this Saturday, October 19 as the date to officially notify runners of the status of the event. It is sincerely the hope of everyone associated with the organization of this event that MCM participants can run as planned.

Flickr photo (bottom) by Wolfkann

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Mariachi band at El Paso Cafe (photo courtesy ddimick)

Rosslyn Jazz Fest Street Closures — A number of lane and street closures will be in place for most of the day on Saturday for the 2013 Rosslyn Jazz Festival. The festival itself runs from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. The closures will be in place from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., in the area of Gateway Park. [Arlington County]

Road Closures for 9/11 5K Race — Several roads in the Pentagon City area, including parts for Route 110, Army Navy Drive, Washington Blvd and S. Joyce Street, will be closed Saturday night for the annual Arlington Police, Fire and Sheriff Memorial 9/11 5K race. The closures will first go into effect at 5:45 p.m. [Arlington County]

‘Cheesemonger’ Katie Carter Profiled — Katie Carter, the cheesemonger for Arrowine (4508 Lee Highway), recently placed third in a national cheese contest. The honor was the culmination of the D.C. native’s nearly lifelong love of cheese and cheesemaking. (Now expecting her second child, Carter is taking a break from her “Your Cheesemonger” column on ARLnow.com.) [Washington Post]

Teen Tutors Needed — Affordable housing nonprofit AHC Inc. is again looking for volunteer tutors. AHC’s tutoring program has served at-risk teens in Arlington for more than 15 years. [AHC Inc.]

Flickr pool photo by ddimick

Road Closures for Crystal City Twilighter 5K

By ARLnow.com

Start of 2011 Crystal City Twilighter 5K (courtesy Crystal City BID)The Crystal City Twilighter 5K race will result in a number of road closures Saturday night.

The race is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, and is billed as “the area’s favorite summer twilight race.” The race registration fee includes a free beverage at a post-race party for those 21 and over.

Today, the Arlington County Police announced the following road closures, to go into effect Saturday evening.

The following lane closures will be in effect between 6:30 p.m. and 11:15 p.m.:

  • Northbound lanes of Crystal Drive between 23rd Street and 20th Street.
  • Southbound lanes of Crystal Drive between 23rd Street and 20th Street.
  • A single southbound access lane from 20th Street to the parking garage entrance at 2100 Crystal Drive will be provided.
  • A single southbound exit lane will be provided at the 2200 Crystal Drive exit with access to 23rd Street.

Note, there will be parking and limited access restrictions in the horseshoe driveway at 2121 Crystal Drive starting at noon.

The following lane closures will be in effect between 8:00 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.:

  • All lanes of Crystal Drive between Route 1 and 23rd Street.
  • Northbound lanes of Crystal Drive between 20th Street and 15th Street.
  • One southbound lane of Crystal Drive between 20th Street and 15th Street. Western-most southbound lane between 15th and 20th Streets to remain open to provide parking garage access.
  • Northbound lanes of Potomac Avenue between Crystal Drive and the Potomac Yard movie theater.
  • One southbound lane of Potomac Avenue between 33rd Street and the Potomac Yard movie theater. Western-most southbound lane to remain open to provide parking garage access and circulation.
  • 33rd Street between Potomac Avenue and Crystal Drive.

The following lane closures will be in effect between 8:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.:

  • Horseshoe driveway at 2345 Crystal Drive – access to the horseshoe driveway at 2345 Crystal Drive will be accessible until approximately 8:30 p.m. and is scheduled to reopen by 9:00 p.m. at the latest.

Numerous parking garages will also be impacted by the closures.

Photo courtesy Crystal City BID, an ARLnow.com advertiser

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Lighting strikes in South Arlington

Kudla Advances at Wimbledon — Arlington resident and tennis pro Denis Kudla, 20, has advanced to the second round of Wimbledon by defeating Australian James Duckworth in five sets. Kudla entered the tournament ranked No. 105. [Washington Post]

Marymount Coach Wins Triathlon — Calah Schlabach, a 26-year-old triathlon coach at Marymount University, was the fastest-finishing woman at the Celebrating Heroes Triathlon in Columbia, Md. on Sunday. Schlabach finished the race — consisting of a 0.62 mile swim, a 16-mile bike ride and a 3.4 mile run — in 1:20:22.

Drafthouse Owner Named ‘Innovation Fellow’ — Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse owner Greg Godbout has been named a Presidential Innovation Fellow. In addition to owning the Drafthouse, Godbout is also a software engineer. He will now complete a 6-13 month “tour of duty” working on the RFP-EZ project, intended to make it easier for small businesses to bid on government contracts. [White House]

Take Dad Out for Father’s Day Activities

By Katie Pyzyk

Father and son with fishing gear in Bon Air ParkThe weather may be foul now, but it’s supposed to improve this weekend. That means outdoor options are in play for taking dad out to celebrate Father’s Day on Sunday (June 16).

Whether outdoors or inside, there are numerous events taking place around Arlington this weekend where you can spend some quality time with dad. Here are a few to consider:

Columbia Pike Blues Fest — The free event features food, music and children’s activities. Festivities run from 1:00-8:00 p.m. on Saturday, on S. Walter Reed Drive at Columbia Pike. This year’s headliner is guitarist G.E. Smith, who gained widespread fame through his time as the musical director on Saturday Night Live, following his stint as the lead guitarist for the band Hall & Oates. More information, including a full music schedule, can be found online.

Donuts with Dad — The Cherrydale Branch Library (2190 N. Military Road) still has a few spots open for dads and kids who want to stop by on Saturday for some sweet treats. From 10:30-11:30 a.m., the library will provide donuts and a craft activity for children. The event is free, but advance sign up is required by calling 703-228-6330 or visiting by the library.

Crystal Car Auto Festival — Crystal City is hosting its first annual Father’s Day Auto Festival. Visitors can check out a variety of autos, including innovative electric vehicles and classic muscle cars. The event runs from 2:00-6:00 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free and a cash beer garden offers beer and wine. More information about exact locations for the auto festival can be found online.

Dash 4 Dad Race — Pacers has again partnered with ZERO — The Project to End Prostate Cancer for the four mile Dash for Dad race on Sunday. The 8:30 a.m. race begins at Pentagon Row close to the Pacers store (1101 S. Joyce Street). Registration and road closures for the race can be found online.

Go Fishing — Although the county no longer stocks trout in Four Mile Run due to budget cuts, residents are still allowed to fish in local waterways. Anglers over the age of 16 need a license to fish. The Department of Parks and Recreation website uses a fish logo to indicate parks — such as Alcova Heights, Glencarlyn and Upper Pimmit Run — where visitors may be successful in pulling in a catch.

Disclosure: Crystal City BID and Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization are ARLnow.com advertisers

Video: Race Official Hurt in Crystal Cup Crash

By ARLnow.com

A race marshal for Sunday’s Crystal Cup bike race was hurt when one of the competitors slammed into her, knocking her to the ground.

The moments before and the immediate aftermath of the crash, which happened near the VRE station on Crystal Drive, were caught on video (above).

The collision sent the cyclist tumbling into the path of a race vehicle, the driver of which managed to stop in time and render aid. Arlington County sheriff’s deputies and police motorcycle officers also responded to the crash.

About 30 seconds after the initial crash, a group of racing cyclists approach the scene. Unable to get out of the way in time, one ran over the race official, who was still on the ground, and himself fell hard to the pavement.

The race marshal was transported to a local hospital for minor injuries, according to Arlington County Police spokesman Dustin Sternbeck. She was one of four race participants who required transport to the hospital on Sunday.

Clarendon Cup 2013 (photo by eschweik)The cyclist who ran over the official, identified by the website Bike Hugger as Timothy Rugg, wrote in a blog post that he didn’t suffer any injuries aside from “tons of road rash and a deep gash in my elbow.” He complained that the course for the Crystal Cup race and Saturday’s Clarendon Cup race, both part of the Air Force Association Cycling Classic, contained too many “obstacles and potholes.”

Aldo Imo Ilesic of Slovenia was the first place male finisher in the Clarendon Cup, according to CyclingNews.com. American Amanda Miller topped the field among elite women.

Argeninian Juan Jose Haedo placed first among elite men in the Crystal Cup, VeloNews.com reported. Lauren Stephens captured first place in the elite female race.

Photo (bottom) courtesy eschweik

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Roosevelt Island by J.D. Moore

Wardian Wins Endurance Races — Prolific ultra-marathoner and Arlington resident Michael Wardian won the North Face Endurance Challenge D.C. 50 mile race on Saturday, with a time of 6:45:36. Wardian then woke up on Sunday and placed second in the 10K endurance challenge and won the 5K endurance challenge. [North Face]

Arlingtonian Wins Post Hunt — Arlington resident Sean Memon, 35, won the sixth annual Post Hunt over the weekend. Whereas teams of “hunters” usually compete in the life-sized puzzle game, Memon, an attorney, “was the first individual to win a hunt, either in Washington or in South Florida, where the event originated.” [Washington Post]

Anti-Gang Soccer Tourney in Arlington — The Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force will hold its 5th annual regional soccer tournament at Washington-Lee high school on June 22. The tournament is open to 100 at-risk youth between the ages of 12 and 16. [Arlington County]

How to Get a Job in Healthcare — A panel presentation at Arlington Central Library on Wednesday will discuss “opportunities, needs and challenges in the health and medical career fields with a special focus on Northern Virginia.” The event is targeted to job seekers. “While we like to think that ALL Library events are memorable, this one probably could change a few lives, judging from the job markets,” said library spokesman Peter Golkin. [Arlington Public Library]

Flickr pool photo by J.D. Moore

Morning Notes

By Katie Pyzyk

Donaldson Run meeting the Potomac (Flickr pool photo by Mark C. White)

Heavy Seas Alehouse to Open in Rosslyn — Baltimore brewer Heavy Seas plans to open a restaurant at the newly renovated 1501 Wilson Blvd in Rosslyn. So far, the existing Baltimore location is the only other Heavy Seas Alehouse besides the one planned for Rosslyn. The restaurant is expected to open by the end of this year. [Washington Business Journal]

Army Ten-Miler Registration to Begin — Registration for the Army Ten-Miler opens at midnight on Wednesday, May 15. This year, 35,000 spots will be available for the October 20 race, instead of 30,000. General admission entries sold out within nine hours last year. [Army Ten-Miler]

Local Eighth Grader Named State’s Top Female Orator — Swanson Middle School eighth grader Dorothee Mulumba won the Virginia State Oratorical Contest on May 4. In total, her scholarship winnings from the local, regional and state competitions add up to $3,000. [Sun Gazette]

McDonnell Signs Transportation Bill — On Monday, Gov. Bob McDonnell signed the transportation funding bill into law. The law cuts the state’s 17.5 cents per gallon gas tax and raises the state sales tax from 5 percent to 5.3 percent, in addition to adding a $64 registration fee for hybrid vehicles. [Washington Post]

Flickr pool photo by Mark C. White

ACPD Member Talks About Boston Marathon Experience

By Katie Pyzyk

Albert Kim (to the right of the flag) running in the 2013 Boston MarathonA member of the Arlington County Police Department is talking about his experience at the Boston Marathon on Monday, in light of the bombings that shook the event.

Cpl. Albert Kim has been with ACPD for about 13 years. He’s part of the department’s Tactical Training Unit, which holds the dual purpose of serving as a member of the SWAT team and providing training to other officers.

Kim doesn’t consider himself a marathon runner, he considers himself a triathlete. He was recently selected to compete in the International Triathlon Union championships in London this fall. Occasionally, he participates in marathons because they’re a “lower stress” form of training for him. After having been a spectator at the Boston Marathon last year, this year he decided to run it.

Kim had finished the race before the bombings and was already back in Cambridge, where he was staying, and just about to sit down for dinner at a restaurant. The person he was supposed to dine with is a nurse at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where nearly three dozen of the bombing victims were taken for treatment, and immediately was called back to the hospital. Kim said his instinct as a first responder was to do as his dinner partner had done, and head back into the city to assist. But he fought the urge and instead heeded the pleas of local law enforcement officials who asked residents and visitors alike to stay off the streets.

“Being a law enforcement officer, you want to help as much as you can. But at the same time, me not knowing the area, not being familiar with what needs to be done, I would be more of a hindrance,” said Kim. “The best thing I could do was stay out of everyone’s way, not go out, not see what’s going on at the scene, but follow directions. Everyone was being told to stay in place, to not leave their hotel rooms or congregate in groups.”

Like the others in the restaurant, Kim says he stared in disbelief at the scene playing out in front of him on the television.

“Everyone was glued to the television and the first thing I saw on the big screen was a replay of the explosion at the finish line. I was just watching the news and reading the updates. No one’s talking inside the place, everyone’s kind of staring at the television,” said Kim. “I was saddened by what I saw. It was a little bit of confusion too because I think initially everyone was speculating as to what had taken place. My first reaction is, who does something like that? What possess someone to do something like that on such a wonderful day with everyone watching? It’s very disheartening.”

(more…)

Nottingham Elementary 5K to Be Held Saturday

By ARLnow.com

Several north Arlington streets will be closed Saturday for the annual Nottingham Elementary 5K run/walk.

The race will be kicking off around 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 13 at Nottingham Elementary (5900 Little Falls Road). Registration is $25 if booked by the end of the day today, then $30 thereafter. Proceeds from the race will go toward Nottingham Elementary School PTA programs.

Arlington County Police will close the following lanes and roads Saturday morning.

  • Williamsburg Boulevard will be closed to eastbound traffic from Little Falls Road to N. Harrison Street from 7:30 – 10:30 a.m.
  • Little Falls Road will be closed from Williamsburg Boulevard to N. Harrison Street from 7:30 – 10:30 a.m.
  • N. Ohio Street will be closed from N. 26th Street to Williamsburg Boulevard from 7:30 – 10:30 a.m.

“Along the race course, temporary road closures will be necessary as the race moves throughout the neighborhood,” police said in a press release. “Residents of the affected areas will be escorted through the traffic closures to minimize the impact on the community. All road closures will be reopened by 10:30 a.m.”

“Residents are asked to park their vehicles in driveways to reduce the congestion on the affected streets to allow more runners through the neighborhood as quickly as possible, which will result in a return to normal conditions,” the police department added.

Street Closures for ‘Love the Run You’re With 5K’

By ARLnow.com

Love the Run You're With logoSeveral streets in and around Pentagon City will be closed Sunday (Feb. 10) for the Love the Run You’re With 5K race.

The race starts and ends in front of the Pentagon Row shopping area on S. Joyce Street. According to the Arlington County Police Department, S. Joyce Street will be closed between 15th Street S. and Army Navy Drive from 07:30 to 10:30 a.m., and Army Navy Drive will be closed between S. Joyce Street and 25th Street S. from 8:45 to 10:00 a.m.

“Street parking in the area will be restricted. Motorists should be on the lookout for temporary ‘No Parking’ signs,” the police department said in a press release. “Race attendees are encouraged to use Metro, however, if driving please utilize the parking garage at the Pentagon City mall.”

Individual registration is still open for the race, which is organized by Pacers. The Valentine’s Day-themed race caters to both couples and singles. Participants are given different colored race bibs depending on whether their relationship status is “single,” “in a relationship” or “it’s complicated.”

View More Stories