Clyde’s 10K
17 April 2011
Not often does a 47-year-old woman win a large format race such as Clyde’s 10k, but that’s exactly what Robyn Humphrey did last Sunday. The Howard County Striders Master Runner of 2010 led from start to finish and fulfilled a life-ling dream of winning the race. “It was on my bucket list,” Robyn said. “And I wasn’t getting younger.” But her victory was not a slam dunk. She faced stiff competition from Unsong Ostrowski and Suzy Serpico. “Suzy was breathing down my neck for a while.” Apparently, though, digestive issues obliged Ms. Serpico to check her speed and gave Humphrey a chance to win. Robyn’s time of 40:09 was actually two minutes faster than last year. “I also want to thank all the runners who chose to run the Boston Marathon and Pikes Peek 10k,” Robyn said, referring to races where her potential competition went.
In the men’s competition, Carlos Renjifo won the race for the second year in a row. He had little competition and, like Robyn, lead from start to finish. “I was trying to keep up a hard effort,” Carlos said, “and focus on my time.” The strong wind gave him some trouble holding that pace, especially on that long uphill on Route 108. “I kept looking at my watch. It didn’t quite work out.” He finished in 33:18 in spite of the wind.
The real battle in the men’s race was for second place. Master runner Peter Keating bolted from the start as if he was trying to beat Mr. Renjifo and managed to hold on to second place for at least two miles. At that point, Karsten Brown asserted himself and took over sole possession of second place, where he eventually finished as distant second to Renjifo. “I may have finished the race second,” Karsten said, “But I got to the beer before anyone else.” Brown’s time of 34:18 was only 18 seconds from a personal best.
For first woman over 40 to finish was also the first woman over 50. Grandmaster Pat Wilkerson nailed a 42:21. She finished immediately behind 12-year-sensation Avery Cunningham, who placed third overall in 2010. “Yep, she’s a great runner,” Pat said. The first master male was actually Peter Keating, but because he finished third overall, the master male award devolved to Matt Reinhardt from Crownsville.
The 33rd Annual Clyde’s 10k took place on a chilly, breezy morning the day after torrential rains had swept through Columbia. Nearly 1500 registered for the event, and 1299 actually finished. Afterwards, Clyde’s of Columbia furnished the runners with a sumptuous brunch that included pasta, turkey chili, yogurt, bagels, fresh California strawberries, and that beer. The beer was served only to adults.
Clyde’s also provided interesting prizes. In addition to gift certificates from Feet First of Hickory Riges, the top three men and women received a beach cooler with a beach blanket, a water bottle, a Clyde’s hat, and various other beach necessities. Age group winners got the cooler and/or the blanket.
The Howard County Striders have staged this race for Clyde’s since 1979, making it the oldest continuously-sponsored race in Maryland. In spite of competing with Pikes Peek 10k (Rockville) and the Boston Marathon, the race enjoyed one of its largest fields ever. Dennis Albright directed the race, with the assistance of dozens of Strider volunteers and traffic control by the Howard County Police.
Jim Carbary
