ON THE RUN                                              by BJ “the DJ” Taylor        

 

2nd SUMMER SIZZLER

06-28-08

 

Few are the sundown races around the Metro, but it’s a great way to spend the evening, like at the 2nd Annual Summer Sizzler.  Mike Bloemker again builds a unique event on the Johnson County Community College campus, through BandB Race Management.

 

As the ball of sun sinks into the horizon, runners line up on the straight roadway heading west.  The evening air is just right, meaning you don’t even think about the temperature.  A little bit of breeze accompanies runners, as they start out nice and level.  Then you roll with the wavy terrain.  Then, sail downhill into the stadium gate, and rush down the track to finish at the 10-yard line.

 

.  The campus is well groomed, and the ease of the pavement fits comfortaby with all the green grass & trees.  We waited for the runners at the chutes on the stadium track, lit up by tiki torches and a couple of floods.  Looked like a beach party: maybe next year we’ll triple the tiki’s and ditch the floods.

 

          As darkness sets in, the first runner empties out onto the track.  That’s Brian Batliner (21) in 16 flat.  Number two, Alex Troncoso (21), come is at 16:06, almost catching Brian.  Then Trevor Johannson (20) finished third with 16.21.

 

            Ladies began with Jackie Melchior (38) in 21:05 (a 6:47 pace).  Abby Wise (15) came next, in 21:10, and Christina Dehamer (27)  crossed the Line at 21:13.

 

Next up: The Fourth of July.  Get on over to Cameron for the 20th Annual Med Center 4-Miler.  Nice park, home-town race, and a pool!  Cyndy announces that one.  Or, hit the 30th Annual Lenexa 5/10K Freedom Run.  BJ announces that one.  Either on will get you warmed up for Psycho Ben’s trail runs on the following morning: 50K or 15K or 5K; pick a Five, any Five.