LRC Racing Masters Brings IT

LRC Masters Dominate Results at Tulsa Run.  Proving that LRC-Racing is among the most competitive clubs in the region from open men and women up to masters men and women, LRC-Racing made the trip down to Tulsa.

Sixteen LRC Masters athletes traveled to Tulsa to run in this year’s Tulsa Run on October 28, designated as the USATF 15K National Championship. It was the second largest contingent topped only by twenty runners from California’s Cal Coast Club. When the running was over, LRC had outpointed even that large group by taking home two national titles in addition to a third bronze team medal. Cal Coast finished with two runner-up finishes and a fourth.

The day was highlighted by national championships by both of LRC’s 40-49 teams. Scoring three members each using cumulative time, the LRC women won by 22 minutes led by Michelle Paxton’s 59:59 (6:25 pace) for third place overall among 34 women. Michelle Schmidt and Amy McCracken were 6^th and 9^th respectively and completed the LRC scoring. Ann Ringlein finished the day as the group’s top age-graded runner as she placed 13^th in the age-adjusted category with a fine 83.6% performance.

The men’s 40-49 group matched the feat of the women by also capturing the National Championship, besting the Cal Coast Club by 2-1/2 minutes. Ryan Regnier led the men’s assault running 53:10 (5:41 pace) good for 11^th overall. Men’s winner Kevin Castille, 45, ran an incredible 46:36 (5 flat pace). Second for LRC was Jacob Kaemmer, just less than a minute back of Ryan in 12^th and the third scorer was Tom Woods in 20^th. Chuck Smith (21^st) and Jason Schmaderer (34^th) rounded out the 40-49 group.

The men’s 50-59, having taken home silver last year, had to settle for the bronze. Craig Christians, 32^nd in 58:53, led this group with Troy Krause, 35^th in 59:33, and Jeff Hansen about a half minute back in  40th, rounding out the scoring. Brian Kelley (42^nd), Kevin Burke (58^th) and Brett Daugherty (64^th) completed the men’s 50-59 team with Kerry McDermott representing the 60+ group.  Craig’s age-adjusted 82% performance led the LRC men in the age-graded category.

The Tulsa Run proved to be a red-letter event for the LRC Masters in terms of involvement and success. An event like the Tulsa Run certainly showcases the truly remarkable Masters talent in the country and also proves that LRC athletes can compete with the best.