By George Banker for Runner’s Gazette I was on the phone with Yannakakis a week before the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10-Mile run (CUCB). His training was not up to ensure a successful finish, and he said, “You know I… Read More ›
Athlete Profiles
“I am motivated by people thinking I cannot do something.”
by George Banker: A profile of athlete Jonathan Ladson April 6-7, 2024, Washington, DC, Credit Union Cherry Blossom—To those who are in the sport, the realization is that it takes time to perfect your skill at running. It is easy… Read More ›
“I do not know how many more times I will be able to run the JFK.”
By George Banker The JFK 50 Mile (JFK) is the oldest continuously held ultramarathon in the US. On November 18, 2023, the race celebrated its 61st run. Throughout the years, thousands have started the race in downtown Boonsboro, Maryland, and… Read More ›
1st Ever World Athletics Road Racing Championships
by Clay Shaw and Karen Mitchell On October 1, 2023, Riga, Latvia will be the site for the very first World Athletics Road Racing Championships. The last road championships of any kind was the once-postponed (COVID-19) World Athletics Half Marathon… Read More ›
Frank McDonald Sets Diamonds’ Course Record
By Maxim Furek In 2022, another Run for the Diamonds’ Local Age Group Record was broken — this time, in the 80 and over division. Lifelong runner and athlete Frank McDonald, who had just turned 80 on November 23, ran… Read More ›
Gabby Suver Interview
My Interview with Gabrielle J. (Gabby) Suver By Carl Scharwath I first met Gabby in our Central Florida YMCA where she worked part-time many years ago. I had a lot of conversations with Gabby between my workouts concerning her running… Read More ›
Resilience, Grit, Determination Define Sika Henry
Interview by George Banker The term resilience means to become stronger or healthy after something terrible happens. The word resilience may not be sufficient to describe Sika Henry. In 2019 she suffered a traumatic bike accident that would have ended… Read More ›
An Outstanding Athlete … Disciplined … Determined … Respect for Others
by George Banker A coach can provide the direction and the training plans, but it will take the person to execute the plans. Gabriela Traña is an international athlete, born in Alajuela, Costa Rica. Growing up she never dreamed that… Read More ›
The Mark of a Champion Remains: Jeff Scuffins
By George Banker The running community mourns the loss of Jeff Scuffins (June 16, 1962–March 20, 2021) of Hagerstown, MD. Scuffins, a 1980 graduate of North Hagerstown High School (Maryland), held the record for 1,600 meters (4:18.84) for 32 years, which… Read More ›
Runners Love Yoga: Ann Mazur and her 2020 Pandemic Experience
by Karen Mitchell As we reported the week before the Olympic Marathon Team Trials, Ann Mazur qualified for The Trials – by 13 seconds. After gradually lowering her marathon times over several years, she met this lifetime goal at California… Read More ›
Ted Metellus Named TCS NYC Marathon Race Director
RG’s interview with Ted Metellus. His Three P’s for event management: Prepare, Plan and Produce! by George Banker Editor’s Note: This month, Ted Metellus was named race director for the TCS New York City Marathon, the first Black race director… Read More ›
Wyoming Man Runs the World: A Marathon in 184 Countries – So Far
by George Banker, Karen Mitchell, Clay Shaw Editor’s Note: We were quite pleased to feature Brent Weigner, a friend for many decades, in this month’s Runner’s Gazette, and we sure appreciate the time he spent answering our many questions. (We… Read More ›
Soldier-Athlete Mel Pender: Olympic Gold Medalist
By TSgt George Banker, USAF Ret. Melvin “Mel” Pender, Jr., is not a household name outside of the track world. If there were a game show with a wheel and labels on it, it would have terms such as family,… Read More ›
Running Through Life with George Banker
As told to Karen Mitchell Editors Note: I have known George for almost three decades, and Clay and Freddi have known him longer. He’s a fellow photographer, journalist, and good friend. During the last year, we’ve profiled various athletes and… Read More ›
Phil Stewart, an Icon in the Running Community
by George Banker Editor’s note: There’s no one who has done more for the running community than Phil Stewart. Yes, he’s a terrific runner both in his hey day and with recent, amazing times. As you’ll see in this interview,… Read More ›
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