In 1979, I was the sole sophomore on the sprint relay teams at a pubic high school in Greenville, DE. At that time, a 10K was 10,000 meters and it was something that I could not imagine doing. I was a sprinter. I ran short distances fast. If the coach had asked me to run any distance longer than 400 meters, I would have felt as though I was being punished. Not everyone felt that way about a 10,000 meter run since during that same year, Jerry Bocrie started the first ever Elizabeth River Run. Local runners will recognize his name since he is also the founder of the Shamrock Marathon.

I eventually moved to Hampton Roads and began running long distances as a way to keep fit. I had heard about the Elizabeth River Run and decided to give it a try. That was in 1986. I will never forget catching a ride on one of the many transit buses that transported participants from downtown Norfolk, VA to the Armed Forces College at the Norfolk Naval Base. I recall wondering to myself what I had gotten myself into. The bus ride took so long that it seemed as though the event could not possibly be only 10,000 meters. The original course for the ERR began outside the gates of the Naval College and ended at Town Point Park in downtown Norfolk. At its peak, the ERR attracted as many as 3500 runners.

I ran this event almost annually and then in 2003, it was canceled because the City of Norfolk would no longer allow the race to finish in the down town area. Their claim was that it interfered with the launching of ships at the new cruise line terminal. I, along with quite a few others, was disappointed to hear that one of our favorite races may be gone forever. Our disappointment was replaced with relief in 2004 when Brian Sagedy began negotiations with the City of Portsmouth and the Naval Medical Center of Portsmouth in an effort to bring the Elizabeth River Run to Portsmouth.

According to Mr. Sagedy, the level of cooperation with the City of Portsmouth, VA and the Naval Medical Center has been incredible. The Portsmouth Police Department has offered its support along with the Traffic Engineering Department in order to set up the course and keep the runners safe during the event.

Downtown Portsmouth offers a flat, historic, picturesque venue for the Elizabeth River Run. Olde Town features monuments and brick buildings that are reminiscent of simpler times. The highlight of the course is Hospital Point located on the grounds of Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. This part of the course provides a spectacular view of the Elizabeth River. The security staff at the medical center provide significant support for the race as well. Many of the participants make an effort to thank them as they pass them along the course.

The race ends at Ntelos Pavilion. The pavilion provides a great venue for the pre-race activities as well as the post race party. The race organizers do a great job of providing just about everything that you need before the race begins as well as plenty of refreshments after you've completed your run. The pavilion also comes fully equipped with a beer license, so there are adult beverages available for those who are old enough to indulge.

This year marked the 5th anniversary of the Elizabeth River Run in Portsmouth and its 30th year overall. My best assessment of this event is that the change of venue has only enhanced its reputation as one of the signature running events in Hampton Roads. As Mr. Sagedy put it, we have found a home here in Portsmouth. I agree. The community support along the course was incredible. I've participated in all five of the Portsmouth events and each year I've always felt welcomed. If you've never participated in this spectacular event, start planning for next year. I'm sure that once you've done it, like me, you'll be an annual participant.