By George Banker It was a privilege to interview Creigh Kelley and I thank him for his time. I also asked several leaders in the running community to give me their thoughts about Creigh. Their answers give you an introduction… Read More ›
George Banker
Team GRC Makes A Sweep At Lawyers Have Heart – Whetstone Sets Record and Barham Is First Female
By George Banker May 18, 2024, West Potomac Park, Washington, DC—“I ran this race last year, so I knew competitively I would not be with the leaders, but would have a decent shot of being in the top 3 for my age… Read More ›
Nishi Is Driven to Share His Passion
by George Banker(Photos Courtesy of Chicago Event Management) According to Wikipedia, the term “Stewardship” is an ethical value that embodies the responsible planning and management of resources. The concepts of stewardship can apply to the environment, nature, economics, health, places, and property. I will… Read More ›
Do You Know George Yannakakis?
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 ›
“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 ›
Merkel and Rowe Take Top Honors at the 34th Northern Central Rail Trail Marathon
DiGregorio and Ardanuy Win the Half Marathon as three records fall – Ardanuy, Wallace, and Reilly By George BankerPhotography by Clay Shaw and Karen Mitchell On Saturday, November 25, 2023, the Baltimore Road Runners Club (BRRC) celebrated the 34th Northern… Read More ›
Annapolis Hills and Heat Did Not Slow Kenig-Ziesler and Doiron
Story and all photos by George Banker August 27, 2023, Annapolis, MD—It was 48 years of running for the Annapolis 10 Mile Run. The race started as a conversation among friends about men being more physically fit than women (1976)…. Read More ›
Peterson, Simpson Make Their Debut at Army Ten-Miler
By George Banker WASHINGTON, DC—The 38th Army Ten-Miler returned on Sunday, October 9, 2022 after a two-year hiatus. The cancellation of the in-person races was because of health concerns for the safety of the runners, staff, and the community. There… Read More ›
Roman-Duval Captures Fifth Win and Doud Captures Top Male at Annapolis 10 Mile
Story and Photos by George Banker In its 47-year history, the Annapolis 10-Mile Run has been canceled three times (2011 Hurricane Irene, 2020-21 for the COVID-19 pandemic). Each year the race delivers on heat, humidity, and hills. On Sunday, August… Read More ›
In Their Shoes 5K Supports Iraqi Children’s Foundation
Story and Photos by George Banker WASHINGTON, DC, May 21, 2022—Ten years in the making and Saturday, May 21, 2022, the 10th In Their Shoes 5K was held on Hains Point in East Potomac Park. The runners were lined up… Read More ›
Cummings Makes A Comeback and Peterman Takes Top Honors At The JFK 50 Mile
By George BankerPhotos by Clay Shaw The 59th JFK 50-Mile Run, was on Saturday, November 20, 2021, in Boonsboro, Maryland. The organizers moved forward, adapted to change, and worked across jurisdictions to plan a perfect event. The goal was to… Read More ›
Keira D’Amato Smashes 10 Mile American Record at Up Dawg 10 Miler
by Clay Shaw ANACOSTIA PARK, WASHINGTON, DC, NOVEMBER 24, 2020—In this pandemic year Keira D’Amato is in great shape. With no big races, Keira, with the help of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom (CUCB) 10 Miler organization, created and paid… 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 ›