50th Anniversary Picnic Press Release
From President Hafiz Shaikh:
The Howard County Striders held their annual picnic and 50th Anniversary celebration this morning at the Cedar Lane East Park in Columbia, MD. After months of planning the Striders’ 50th Anniversary Committee executed an outstanding plan that included recognition from the Howard County Council and the Office of the Howard County Executive. The catered lunch from Farmhouse Greens was a hit and many were able to take home leftovers. I want to recognize committee members Faye Weaver, Pattie Laun, Cecilia Murach and Xuesong Wang for their hard work and great ideas for honoring the club. Vice President Faye Weaver led the Annual Awards committee that handed out over 20 awards to runners, coaches and volunteers. I also want to recognize Missy and Marc Burger, who are a staple of the annual picnic, for preparing the raffle and prizes, purchasing the drinks and desserts, and setting up and breaking down the event.
A more detailed write up of the 50th Anniversary celebration will be available in the July Footprints. For now, here are some highlights from Sunday’s picnic:
- Councilwoman Christina Rigby presented a 50th Anniversary Honorary Resolution on behalf of the Howard County Council.
- Vikki Garcia from the Office of Howard County Executive presented an Executive Proclamation on behalf of County Executive Calvin Ball.
- The 2025-2026 Board of Directors presented a list of accomplishments and a new Board of Directors for 2026-2027 was elected. Bill Arbelaez and Bill Brown stepped off the Board after many years of service. Helen Kottis (Social Events) and Sarah Ringerud (Special Programs) were welcomed onto the new Board.
- Immediate Past President Bill Brown stepped off the Board after six years of service as Secretary (2020), Vice President (2021) and President (2022-2025). Director of Sunday Strides (formerly Weekly Series) Bill Arbelaez stepped off the Board after 40 years of service. Bill joined the Striders in the mid-1990s as a Junior Striders coach and has held numerous Board positions including President (2013-2015), Vice President (2011-2013), Membership and Newsletter.
- Past President Cecilia Murach (2019-2021) was inducted into the Striders Hall of Fame. Cecilia was recognized for leading the club through the Covid pandemic years, for volunteering at numerous Board positions and for being an accomplished runner and triathlete.
- Vice President Faye Weaver and Keith Levasseur presented the newly named Ultra Runner Award in honor of Tom Green who is not only a Strider legend but a nationally recognized ultra running legend. Tom was the first runner to complete the “Grand Slam of Ultra Running” which consists of running four 100-mile races in one summer (1986). Tom’s name and legacy will be carried forward by the Striders Annual Awards.
- The “Big Surprise” announcement was the unveiling of a permanent aid station along the Bagel Run route at the Centennial Park. Over the past few months, I have worked closely with the Howard County Recreation and Parks to establish a permanent feature to recognize the Striders 50 years in Howard County. The proposed aid station is located not too far from our existing location where we drop water and cups. The completed aid station will consist of a water fountain, two benches and a boulder with the Striders 50th Anniversary plaque. Construction is expected to be completed later this year.
- Presidents’ Award was presented to Vicki and Phil Lang for their championship level work with the Bullseye/Striders Youth Program. Phil and Vicki have managed the youth program since 2010 and have consistently created national champions and All-Americans. The full list of Annual Award Winners is listed below.
Picnic Photos: 50th Anniversary Picnic Photos
Group photo of 50th Anniversary Picnic
Councilwoman Christina Rigby Presenting an Honorary Resolution on Behalf of the Howard County Council.
Vikki Garcia Presenting an Executive Proclamation on Behalf of the Howard County Executive Calvin Ball.
Immediate Past President Bill Brown Steps Off the Board after Six Years of Service.
After four decades with the Striders Bill Arbelaez Steps Off the Board as Sunday Strides Director. Bill joined the Striders in the mid-1990s as a Junior Striders Coach.
Past President and Current Special Races Director Cecilia Murach Inducted into Striders Hall of Fame.
Vice President Faye Weaver and Keith Levasseur announce the newly named “Thomas Green Ultrarunner” Award and present a plaque to Tom Green.
President Hafiz Shaikh unveils the renderings of a permanent aid station along the Bagel Run Route at Centennial Park. The proposed aid station consists of a water fountain, two benches and a boulder with the Striders 50th Anniversary Plaque.
Presidents’ Award presented to Vicki Lang and Phil Lang for their championship level work with Bullseye/Striders Youth Program. (Phil was unable to attend).
2026-2027 Striders Board of Directors
President – Hafiz -Shaikh
Vice President – Faye Weaver
Treasurer – Pattie Luan
Secretary – Shyam Biswal
Immediate Past President – Vacant
Special Races – Cecilia and Brad Murach
Membership & Volunteering – Xuesong Wang
Social Media & Newsletter – Holly French
Social Events – Helen Kottis
Racing Team – Stephanie Reich and Kevin Ford
Communications & Website – Kiri Michell
Youth Program – Greg Orlofsky
Special Programs – Sarah Ringerud
List of Annual Award Winners
2026 Spirit Award – Joanne Han and Jennifer Storch
2026 Female Runner of the Year – Kristen Gray
2026 Male Runner of the Year – Adam Sachs
2026 Female Master Runner of the Year – Caroline Bauer
2026 Male Master Runner of the Year – Carlos Renjifo
2026 Female Grandmaster Runner of the Year – Pamela Jock
2026 Male Grandmaster Runner of the Year – Wei (Garfield) Hu
2026 Female Senior Grandmaster Runner of the Year – Linda Alms
2026 Male Senior Grandmaster Runner of the Year – Dave Berardi
Thomas Green Ultra Runner Award Established in 2026
2026 Female Thomas Green Ultra Runner – Lori Levine
2026 Male Thomas Green Ultra Runner – Keith Levasseur
2026 Female Most Improved Runner – Samantha Curry
2026 Male Most Improved Runner – Ye Liu
2026 Female New Runner of the Year – Feiran Jiao
2026 Male – New Runner of the Year – Jason Sammut
2026 Coach of the Year – RaeAnn Kaylie
2026 Volunteer of the Year – Amanda Idstein
2026 Male -Youth Runner of the Year – Oliver Schwartz
2026 President’s Award – Phil and Vicki Lang
2026 Bullseye Coach of the Year – Alison Flanigan
2026 Bullseye Junior Coach of the Year – Dean Walker
2026 Bullseye Male – Runner of the Year – Caleb Crow
2026 Bullseye Female – Runner of the Year – Jasmin DeSimone
