2009 Bluemont Fair 10K - Race Report
 Start of the 2009 Bluemont Fair 10K |
The question of who would be this year's men's winner was quickly answered by two-time champ Justin Fritzius of Purcellville, who immediately darted out front and reached the one mile mark with a massive thirty second lead. Despite running all by himself, the 25-year-old pushed himself to an impressive 32:43 finish, nearly three minutes ahead of his nearest competitor. This was easily the top men's finish in recent Bluemont Fair 10K history (although your author's records only go back to 1999).
 Justin Fritzius makes it look easy  Jason Tootell waves as he approaches the finish |
Unlike the competition for the men's win, the women's race went right down to the wire. Harpers Ferry's Michelle VanHorn, 28, took the lead at first, but she was soon caught by Alexandria's Jennifer Collins, 39. Not far behind was Bluemont's own Ashley Gerczak, 22, who stuck behind Collins as VanHorn faded to third. Collins still held the lead as they approached the final hill, but Gerczak caught up to her by the top and the two ran side-by-side to the finish line, with race officials judging that Collins had broken the plane of the finish a hair earlier than Gerczak. Both were credited with finishes of 41:58, the fourth and fifth fastest women's runs at Bluemont between 1999 and 2009.
 Jennifer Collins & Ashley Gerczak push up the final hill to the finish line...  It doesn't get much closer than this! |
Among other impressive performances was a gem of a run by Hamilton's Jason Page, whose finished seventh overall in 41:00 at the age of 64. Adjusted for age, this was an even better run than Fritzius' blazing win this year! And 71-year-old Doug Morris fared pretty well too, posting the fastest male 70-74 finish in the past eleven years with a 52:06. Morris was not the oldest finisher, however; 74-year-old Robert Gurtler had him beat. 8-year-old Anthony Peyton of Round Hill was this year's youngest runner. Hailing from furthest away were Andre Choma of Curitiba, Brazil and Mark Rutkowski of Great Neck, New York. The majority of the participants, however, were from Loudoun County. Gerczak was the top female finisher from Bluemont; Michael Yager (51:59) and Anthony Morris (52:02) were the fastest Bluemont men. Nine finishers lowered their 10K times from 2008, with the aforementioned Zanny Ludtke being the most improved, but also showing big drops were Erica Cline of Broadlands (48:50, 7:10 faster than last year); Kevin Murphy of Woodbridge (48:35, 7:05 faster); and Cassie Ludtke of Round Hill (51:33, 5:30 faster).
Many thanks to race director Charley Billman for staging another successful run, aided by volunteers Anna & Drew & River Billman, Karsten Brown, Nancy Bullock, Linda Corley, Margaret Jones, Myron Kremer, Muffin Quinn, and Ray & Sam Rees, among others. (Our apologies if we've overlooked anyone.) And thanks to all the sponsors who helped make the race possible. Hopefully we'll be back at Great Country Farms on Saturday 18 September 2010 for the 32nd running of the Bluemont Fair 10K!
(Note: Full-size photos from this year's race can be downloaded on Picasa Web Albums!)
 Molly Lawless receives an age group award from River Billman |
 Oldest and youngest runners: Robert Gurtler & Anthony Peyton |
 Michelle Crowley, Abbie Polizotto, Zanny Ludtke, & Kauren Nordstrom |
Results & report provided by Karsten Brown. Send him an e-mail if you have any corrections or questions. Photos by Nancy Bullock and Karsten.
