OCEAN CITY- Thousands of runners from all over the country descended on the resort area last weekend for annual Island to Island Half Marathon and 5K races.
The Island to Island Half Marathon and 5K races, hosted by OC Tri Running for the benefit of Worcester Youth and Family Counseling, was held last Saturday with near perfect conditions for the runners including overcast skies and cool early morning temperatures. Thousands of runners competed in the combined events, which were once again a huge success.
The 13.1-mile half marathon began at the state park on Assateague and the course wound its way up the Route 611 corridor through West Ocean City before crossing the Route 50 bridge and into Ocean City. From there, the competitors entered the Boardwalk at North Division Street and around the pier to a finish line at the Inlet parking lot. For years, the half marathon course began in Ocean City and ended at Assateague Island, but event organizers three years ago reversed it and ended the course at the Inlet lot where runners were feted with a post-race celebration. The 5K race was run entirely on the Boardwalk.
Local runners made a strong showing again this year. In the half marathon, Tyler Muse of Bel Air was first, finishing in 1:15:46, Brendan Dulaney of Columbia was second, finishing in 1:27:11 and Ocean City’s own Bobby Hammond was third, finishing in 1:30:15. Vanessa Palko of Middletown, Del. was the top female finisher. In the 5K race, Martin Rodriguez of Ocean City was first, Wes Stull of Frederick was second and Marc Smith of Bishopville was third.
