Kenya and Russia topped the field of nearly 1,500 runners Sunday in the annual George Washington Parkway Classic.
Benson Ogato of Kenya edged out fellow Kenyan, Julius Gwako for first place in the men's 10-miler with a winning time of 49:05 to 49:33.
Another Kenyan, Naftal Mayoyo finished third with a time of 51:46.
On the women's side, Russian Irina Suvorova beat Alice Muriithi of Kenya by a mere 12 seconds, 58:46 to 58:58.
This was the 18th consecutive race along the GW Parkway from Mount Vernon to Alexandria, however, it marked the first year the race was designated a 10-miler instead of a 15K race.
"The race was good, it was a little windy and I'm better in warmer weather," said Ogato. "When you are alone the wind will push you but withsomeone else, it's easier. When I saw the time I was doing I increased the pace. We all train together, but in a race we run to win."
With only 200 meters to go for the women, Suvorova made a decisive move which Muriithi could not cover to take the victory. "I felt good the whole race and I was trying to reach my form. I was not concerned about any other runner. I liked the course this year," said Suvorova through an interpreter.
THE 4TH GW CLASS 5K was dominated by the women. Heather Hanscom of Alexandria and a member of Team Pacers wasted no time in getting out to a fast start and finishing first ahead of Maria Spinner of Hagerstown, MD., 15:31 to 15:36.
On the men's side, Jason Van Horn of Dumfries, VA, finished first with a winning time of 15:31, only five seconds better than Russian Gennady Teminkov, who is now a resident of Rockville, MD. Teminikov was the first master at the Boston Marathon this year with a time of 2:20:23.
"It was a good course and I like running in this area," said Hanscom. "I was pretty much on my own after the first mile. I wanted to do 5:20-5:25 pace to see if I could hang on. Today was not my day. I wanted a 16:50 or better. I have high expectations for myself," she said.
Results
10-Miler — Male
1. Benson Ogato, Kenya, 49:05
2. Julius Gwako, Kenya, 49:33
3. Naftal Mayoyo, Kenya, 51:46
4. Glen Mays, Washington, D.C., 52:23
5. Richard Cochrane, Annapolis, MD, 52:41
10-Miler — Female
1. Irina Suvorova, Russia, 58:46
2. Alice Muriithi, Kenya, 58:58
3. Sharon Servidio, Alexandria, VA, 1:00:16
4. Patsy Long, Sterling, VA, 1:02:46
5. Elizabeth Scanlon, Alexandria, VA, 1:03:08
Master — Male
1. Dan Lawson, Gaithersburg, MD, 56:21
2. Bill Gibbs, Clemons, NC, 59:29
3. Paul Peterson, Bethesda, MD, 59:50
4. Mike Cook, Alexandria, VA, 1:01:13
5. Develand Campbell, Lusby, MD, 1:01:19
Master — Female
1. Laura Freix, Centreville, VA, 1:04:38
2. Leslie Wolfe, Herndon, VA, 1:06:15
3. Patricia Scott, Alexandria, VA, 1:06:38
4. Beth McCann, Falls Church, VA, 1:12:14
5. Karen Erb, Alexandria, VA, 1:14:09
5K — Male
1. Jason Van Horn, Dumfries, VA, 15:31
2. Gennady Teminkov, Russia, 15:36
3. Jim Hage, Lanham, MD, 15:54
4. Tyler Newcomer, Hagerstown, MD, 15:58
5. Frank Sprtel, Takoma Park, MD, 15:59
5K — Female
1. Heather Hanscom, Alexandria, VA, 17:23
2. Maria Spinnler, Hagerstown, MD, 18:19
3. Hilary Cairns, Washington, D.C., 18:32
4. Jennifer Stearns, Stafford, VA, 19:22
5. Julie Hayden, Ashburn, VA, 19:32