Broad Run Wrestling 5K Off and Running

Grapplers and Ghouls Goes Smoothly with Over 300 Runners

     Saturday morning could not have come with better weather, or a better group of runners, for the 1st Broad Run Wrestling Grapplers and Ghouls 5K event hosted right in front of the school.  The temperature was wonderful, holding in the mid-50s for the start of the race, and with a total of 315 runners entering the race, the event was an incredible success.

     Runners of all ages were there from the Elementary Division to the 50+ General Public, and best of all, a variety of costumes were seen, including Waldo (who not surprisingly went missing later in the day).  Broad Run wrestlers, current and former, were on hand to run and the competitive nature was in full force as numerous members of both groups pushed to beat out current teammates and old friends.

     Even with fears of Hurricane Sandy threatening to ruin the day, people came out in droves to compete and win the coveted Grapplers and Ghouls Dog Tagz and Best Costume Awards.  Superheros seemed to be the theme on the course, and it was a little Captain America, shield and all, taking home the Best Costume trophy and Glory Days Grill gift certificate, and Super Woman took home Best Costume Runner Up.

     In what was obviously the most important grouping of the day, the Spartan Wrestling Alumni Association Group, it was Brian McDonald (21:45) and Becky Puterio (24:14) who were the fastest in their respective categories.  Placing 2nd and 3rd for the Men were Ken Parsons and Brandon Calderwood, and for the ladies, placing 2nd was Liz McDonald and Polly Hughes placed 3rd.

     Local running groups made up a large contingent of the young runners, and it was great to see these youngsters getting out and active, as well as seeing their parents coming out to join and support them.  In a time where video games and poor eating habits seem to be on the rise, it is uplifting to see such a great turnout of little ones being active, and placing quite well in the race!  Below is a picture of one local group and all of their members who ran the race!

     A huge amount of thanks goes out to all the parents, wrestlers and sponsors that helped to make the day go so smoothly.  Wrestlers showed up at 7am to first clean the football field following the Friday night homecoming game, then from there were setting up or preparing to race.  Parents were the equally as helpful, assisting with parking, check in, breakfast sales and so much more.  Our sponsors could not have been more helpful and we truly hope everyone will show patronage to those businesses that helped to support the program.

     For full race results be sure to check out the Results page of Potomac River Running or Click Here.