Heat, Humidity and Hills

34 years ago, a group of friends (including a few Marines) were discussing their fitness regimens at a party. Somewhere between cocktails, a challenge to race from Severna Park to Annapolis was delivered. The course was set at ten miles, and there were seven participants. One of the Marines, a Vietnam veteran helicopter pilot named John Astle, rallied from behind to reach City Dock first.

Naturally, such a finish suggested a rematch. Which has occurred every year since.

Although the course has changed over the years, the distance is still ten miles. Held the last Sunday in August, the Annapolis Ten Mile, sponsored by the Annapolis Striders, now includes 5,500 runners. It is one of the largest events in the Mid-Atlantic region promoting physical fitness and the sport of running. And it still includes John Astle, now a Maryland State Senator.

I wasn’t at Navy Marine Corps stadium at 7:45 AM when Senator Astle started the race. I arrived about an hour later to see the fastest in the field make their final loop around the stadium to the finish line. It was impressive to see friends and family lining the trail on the stadium perimeter, ringing cowbells, holding signs and shouting encouragement. Also gratifying to see all those out of state tags in the parking lot.

The 5,500 participants are from 35 states and five countries. Unlike many popular races, the Annapolis Ten Mile isn't destined to grow. The field is set at 5,500 and the race run with very tight constraints to minimize disruption to Sunday worship services. The limit, and its location, gives the Annapolis Ten Mile a certain cache. This year, it sold out in two weeks with most slots filled within a few hours.

The Annapolis Ten Mile, always held the last Sunday in August, is known for the 3 H’s – Heat, Humidity and Hills. This year, early morning thunderstorms blew out the first two for more pleasant running conditions. (Couldn’t level those hills, though.)

There are two more H’s that make the Annapolis Ten Mile a must for recreational runners – History and Heritage. The route takes the field past the State House and Church Circle, through downtown Annapolis to the City Dock, along the Naval Academy wall, across College Creek and then the Severn River. The beauty of Annapolis, with its historic architecture and welcoming harbor, is on display for those early morning visitors. Another magnificent view awaits as they cross back over the Severn and see the Naval Academy with the Chesapeake Bay in the distance on their return to the stadium.

The Annapolis CVB estimates the economic impact of the race at $3 million. After a visit downtown, I can attest. At 4:00 PM, it was still standing room only at Middleton Tavern. The hostess explained many of the guests were in town for the race. They had been coming all day, and were still arriving as I left.

Yes, that’s anecdotal evidence about the benefits of hosting a recreational event like the Annapolis Ten Mile. But between the activity in the restaurants and hotels, and the generous contributions made to the local hospital by race organizers, I can understand why this is such a community asset.

Thanks, Senator Astle. Hope you and the Striders keep the pace for many years.