Beautiful weather, hordes of people and abundant food—the 18th annual Run for Hospice in St. Mary’s County proved to be a spectacular celebration of springtime. The 5 kilometer (K)/10 K race was held Saturday, April 13 in Leonardtown. Race director Jim Dicus estimated a crowd of nearly 3,000. Some participants had dogs on leashes, other pushed strollers and others completed the trek with the names of loved ones safety-pinned to their shirts. 

The runners vying for the coveted Defenders Cup and the various medals bestowed upon top finishers in several age categories dominated the massive field.

The top finisher in the 10 K race was Justin Zarzaca, 23 of Lexington Park, with a time of 35 minutes and 37 seconds.  The second-place finisher was Kevin Kripp, 45 of Falls Church, VA, who posted a time of 36 minutes and 15 seconds. The third-place finisher was Phil Chasen, 32 of Towson, who completed the 10K course in 37 minutes and 7 seconds. Scottie Morris of California was the top female finisher in the 10K with a time of 43 minutes and 7 seconds.

Teens terrorized the pack in the 5K segment. Trent Herzog, 16 of Lusby topped the field with a time of 17 minutes and 48 seconds. Close behind were Kyle Thompson, 15 of Port Tobacco; and Noah Dixon, 17 of Lusby. Thompson and Dixon posted times of 18 minutes and 5 seconds and 18 minutes and 8 seconds respectively. Allison Parris of St. Leonard was the 5K’s top female finisher with a time of 19 minutes and 12 seconds.

 The Defenders Cup was awarded to the runners representing Wyle. The team received the silver prize from Frank Fearn, a nephew of Captain Walter Duke, a World War II flying ace and Leonardtown native. In remarks prior to the awarding of the trophy, Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Horr recounted Duke’s humble beginnings and heroic deeds in the Allies’ war effort. Duke was shot down over Burma in 1944 and was never seen alive again. Recently, the St. Mary’s County Board of Education voted to name a new elementary school in honor of Duke.

“That was fantastic, for me it was a highlight,” said Dicus of the trophy presentation.

The proceeds from the race go to St. Mary’s Hospice. Dicus said the 2013 pre-registration for the event was the biggest in the run’s nearly 20-year history.

For race results, visit http://goo.gl/KThKR.

Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com