by George Banker
On Saturday, August 31, 2024, runners/walkers ran through history on the grounds of Fort Washington Park, MD. The fort dates back to 1809 and was the only defensive fort protecting Washington, DC.
The event was the 1st Diggs Run 5K, which was a benefit to the community and family by promoting a healthy lifestyle through fitness. There were local sponsors present to provide information.
The race name was a tribute to Elder Watson Diggs (1883-1947) who along with nine others formed the first black fraternity (Kappa Alpha Psi) at Indiana University on January 5, 1911. The original charter was for Kappa Alpha Nu which in December 1914 became Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. The motto of Kappa Alpha Psi is “Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor.”
Diggs served in World War 1 at the rank, a lieutenant with the 368th Infantry in Europe. Later, he became a captain in the Reserve Officer’s Training Corps.
“This is the first year for the event and the intent is to use this year as the foundation to expand for future years within the community,” said Race Director Lateef Clemencia.
The loops and the out and back sections of the course gave the runners an opportunity to gauge their performance against their competitors. The start and finish were near the Officer’s Quarters Building. A modest field of over 100 started their journey through the fort.
After passing the first mile, Quiwane Walker of Alexandria, VA had a sizable lead over the trailing runners. BlaQue Tucker of Welcome, MD and Deion Baker of Silver Spring, MD were in close contact. The leading female was not to be counted out, as Grace Fortier of Alexandria was in the mix.
The course stretched out among the remaining runners and walkers. Walker had established a dominant lead to capture the win with a time of 21:25. Tucker placed second with 24:31, followed by Baker with 24:31.
Fortier was the winning female with 22:13 and placed second overall in the race. The second female was Justice McDaniel of Fort Washington in 24:32. Faith Fortier took third with a time of 25:49.
The top male master was Greg Fortier of Alexandria, with a time of 25:50. The female master was LaVerne Quids of Fort Washington in 28:10.
There was a note of thanks extended to the volunteers and sponsors, which included Ultimate Fitness Gym, which served as the packet pick up. To provide county information was PGC 311- County Services, “In Your Community-About Your Community.”
Results
1 Quiwane Walker 31 21:35 Alexandria, VA
2 BlaQue Tucker 29 24:31 Welcome, MD
3 Deion Baker 32 24:31 Silver Spring, MD
4 Greg Fortier 50 25:50 Alexandria, VA
5 Michael Arrington 24 30:10 Brandywine, MD
6 Tony Camp, Jr. 48 30:25 Fort Washington, MD
7 Michael Halls 56 31:07 Brandywine, MD
8 Christopher Tinker 56 32:36 Suitland, MD
9 Curtis Jones 42 33:19 Fort Washington, MD
10 Omar Price 41 33:26 Bowie, MD
Master
4 Greg Fortier 50 25:50 Alexandria, VA
6 Tony Camp, Jr. 48 30:25 Fort Washington, MD
7 Michael Halls 56 31:07 Brandywine, MD
8 Christopher Tinker 56 32:36 Suitland, MD
9 Curtis Jones 42 33:19 Fort Washington, MD
Top Females
1 Grace Fortier 16 22:13 Alexandria, VA
2 Justice McDaniel 16 24:32 Fort Washington, MD
3 Faith Fortier 14 25:49 Alexandria, VA
4 LaVerne Ouids 55 28:10 Fort Washington, MD
5 Elizabeth Machie 55 28:56 Fort Washington, MD
6 Angela Fortier 46 30:46 Alexandria, VA
7 Priscilla Boadu 53 32:16 Severn, MD
8 Susan Upward 48 32:47 Oxon Hill, MD
9 Robin Muldor-Engram 59 37:02 Fort Washington, MD
10 Antoinette Riley 40 37:43 Ellicott Coty, MD
Master
4 LaVerne Ouids 55 28:10 Fort Washington, MD
5 Elizabeth Machie 55 28:56 Fort Washington, MD
6 Angela Fortier 46 30:46 Alexandria, VA
7 Priscilla Boadu 53 32:16 Severn, MD
8 Susan Upward 48 32:47 Oxon Hill, MD
#237 Angela Fortier, Alexandria 6th 30:46
#239 Faith Fortier, Alexandria 3rd 25:49
#236 Greg Fortier, Alexandria 4th & 1st Master 25:50
Categories: Race Coverage
Runner's Gazette 
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