Damien's Run 5K Results
June 27, 2004
You know it's a fast field when former Strider runners-of-the-year Chris Chattin and Mark Gilmore finish no higher than fifth place, but that's just what happened at Damien's Run for Recovery 5k last Sunday. The race offered a bonus of $300 for any runner breaking the course record of 15:08, which drew a field that included Olympic trials runners Mike Wardian and Peter Sherry. Immediately after the start, a pack of fast runners formed at the front and they flew through the first mile in 4:36. At one and a half miles, Wardian and local favorite Mike Styczynski pulled away from the others and opened an insurmountable gap. With less than a half mile to go, Wardian took a 5 yard lead on Sty, but was so worried about number two that he kept glancing back over his shoulder. That may have cost him the bonus, because he finished one second shy of the record. "At least I beat Chattin," said Mark Gilmore, who placed fifth in 15:43. "At least I won the masters' championship," said 40-year-old Chris Chattin, who was seventh overall in 16:12.
In the women's race, Sykesville's Sherry Stick had absolutely no trouble trouncing the women's field, although her 18:11 didn't come close to a record. The real women's race took place between training partners Robyn Humphrey and Julie Thienel, who chased each other for the entire 3.1 mile course. They changed second-and-third places several times, with Humphey pulling away in the final quarter mile to finish in 18:58. Thienel finished third among the women, but commutated her third place award in favor of receiving the master's woman award.
Damien's Run for Recovery 5k took place on a mild Sunday morning entirely within the confines of the Columbia Gateway. The 5k commemorates Damien Mesalla, who died of a drug overdose several years ago. His father, Ralph Mesalla, originated the Damien's Recovery Inc to raise awareness of the drug problems of youth and help solve problems that lead to drug abuse in youth, and the 5k serves as a major fund-raiser for such programs. Ralph also served as race director. In addition to the 5k, the Sunday event also featured a 2-mile "walk and talk" for parents, kids, and others.
The fine summer morning and moderately challenging course (only one hill!) drew a field of 365 runners. Age group winners (1st - 3rd) received Sony Walkmans. Race director Ralph Masella was assisted by the Howard County Striders, who provided timing and finish line management, and by the Howard County Police, who furnished traffic control. After the race, runners, walkers, and volunteers enjoyed a fine post-race brunch with pizza, fruit, water melon, organic lemonade, bagels and Judith Weber's home made chocolate chip cookies. The kids could have their faces painted, and the sore runners could receive rub-downs.
Damien's Run for Recovery 5k
Columbia Gateway - 27 June 2004
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 Junior Striders Nicole Shouse, Alyssa Shouse, and Chris Wunsch show off their age group awards (Sony Walkman radios) (photo by Jim Carbary) |
