Cross-country runners who graduated from high schools throughout Northern Virginia are included on rosters of many Division I women’s college teams across the commonwealth.
Some are among top collegiate performers, while others are striving to reach that status.
For decades each fall, two similar, small and unique high school cross-country championship meets annually are held in two nearby Northern Virginia jurisdictions, generating significant anticipation and excitement from participants and spectators.
Those two girls and boys varsity competitions are the Arlington County and Alexandria City championship meets, typically held in late September or early October. This year both were held the same afternoon — Wednesday, Oct. 7.
Enjoy 5 beautiful, flat, and fast miles through the charming heart of Del Ray. This family-friendly event features a dedicated starting line for pets and strollers. The race is easily accessible via the Braddock Road Metro Station.
We welcome participants of all abilities, whether you’re a runner or a walker. Come join us on Thanksgiving Day!
Jay Jacob Wind, a well-known, well-liked and longtime stalwart on the running scene in the metro area, is retiring as a race director.
He will direct his final race, the Potomac River Run Marathon and Half, on Saturday, Oct. 17.
Ever-changing autumn weather conditions make each college and high-school cross-country season unique.
Foul weather can often cause postponements of other outdoor fall high-school sports, but cross-country are expected to proceed. That’s the nature of the sport.
Even as a startup race way back in 1976, the Marine Corps Marathon was an instant hit — and has only continued to grow and expand in popularity a half-century later.
In that initial year the race attracted a bit more than 1,100 runners, an impressive number for an upstart event. Today the participation total has swelled to between 35,000 to 40,000 each year, making it the third largest marathon in the U.S., and the largest race in the world that does not offer prize money.
A number of college cross-country teams in the metro area enjoyed success in their opening meets of the fall season.
The University of Maryland women’s squad dominated and won the 11-team University of Delaware Invitational with a low of 22 points. Host Delaware was second with 35.
U.S. Navy Capt. Vince Libasci and 50 sailors from the USS Arlington (LPD-24) traveled to the ship’s namesake community on Sept. 5 to visit the Pentagon Memorial and participate in the annual Arlington Police, Fire, Sheriff & ECC 9/11 Memorial 5K Run.
At the race, Capt. Libasci — the ship’s 10th commanding officer — and the sailors of the USS Arlington were recognized. Crew members not only ran the race but also participated in the joint Honor Guard and awarded finishing medals to runners.