10-mile race returns to Navy campus | Maryland Gazette (HometownGlenBurnie.com)

After the terrorist attacks in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania, the course was altered and stretched around the Naval Academy walls for security reasons.

"I think the return of the Naval Academy will add another dimension to the race," second-year race director Lisa Fontaine said.

Jeffrey L. Fowler, the Naval Academy's superintendent, allowed the race to return to the yard and Captain Margaret D. Klein, Commandant of Midshipmen, will be among the 5,500 participants expected to run.

The 32nd annual A-10 starts Sunday at 7:55 a.m. on the West side of the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. The course will wind through the streets of downtown Annapolis, cut through the Naval Academy, and cross over the Severn River twice.

The start time is 10 minutes later than last year so that runners can enter the academy gate after Colors (when the flag is raised).

"This gives people 10 extra minutes to sleep or park," said Fontaine, who has 700 volunteers in place but is always looking for more.

Runners will enter the Naval Academy through Gate 3 after turning onto King George Street and Maryland Avenue. They will leave through Gate 8 where a water station represents the 3 1/2 mile mark. After

that, a steep climb over the Naval Academy Bridge awaits.

After the first trek across the bridge, several hills come into play during a meandering trip through the Dairy Farms neighborhood. After connecting with the Baltimore-Annapolis Boulevard, runners will almost hit Route 50 before turning around and heading for Ritchie Highway. From there, another painstaking trip across the bridge and a quick stint on Taylor Avenue are the only things before the home stretch near the stadium.

Fontaine said that race directors wanted the race to end after a lap within the stadium but they were unable to construct a safety ramp.

"Unfortunately, we just ran out of time," Fontaine said.

In the past, the A-10 would end with a ceremonial lap around the football field. When the stadium underwent renovations in 2004, Fontaine said the field surface was lowered and a ramp would be needed for accessibility of heavy traffic.

Arnold resident Matt Centrowitz Jr., last year's overall winner, will not be competing this year because of his training commitment to the University of Oregon. Centrowitz, 17, won last year's event in a time of 54 minutes, 59.15 seconds. His freshman training camp starts Sept. 4. However, Centrowitz and his father, Matt Sr., a former U.S. Olympian and American University track coach, will be on hand to give out awards after the race.

Lauren Centrowitz, a standout track runner at Stanford, will be competing and should challenge for the women's title. Last year's winner, Feng Sun, of Columbia, was the top female finisher (27th overall) in a time of 1:02:15.10, but did not register this year.

Washington D.C. mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D) will be running. Fenty completed the National Marathon in April and ran in D.C.'s Cherry Blossom Race a month later. Sen. John C. Astle, D-Annapolis, one of the original founders of the A-10 will also be in action on Sunday. Astle has ran in every race but one since its exception in 1975.

NOTES: Organizers are hosting a running expo from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday at the north end of the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Race officials strongly urge runners to go to the expo to pick up their bib and computer chip in advance of the race. Photo ID is required of all racers, no exceptions.

The Naval Academy graduates will be vying for the Willie McCool award, given to the top USNA finisher. The award is named after the late academy graduate and former cross country runner who died in the 2003 Columbia shuttle disaster. Kent Werner, 28, of Laurel, finished fifth overall and was last year's recipient.

There will also be the "Old Goats" award given to the class with the most competitors and top finishers. The Class of 1973, led by Arnold resident Kevin Callahan, is expected to have another strong contingent.