Maryland Takes Center Stage

The weather was perfect this weekend for an exciting and eventful array of sports around the state. From horse racing to cycling to extreme races, there was something for everyone to participate in. Here is a snapshot of why Maryland is a growing Sports destination:

Maryland will have another, as the 137^th Preakness featured the largest crowd ever. Over 120,000 people donned their snazziest outfits, partied, jammed and celebrated horse racing at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore City. The horse racing did not disappoint either. I Will Have Another narrowly defeated Bodemeister to put itself in position to become the first Triple Crown winner since 1978. Stay tuned to see if I Will Have Another attempts to make history at the Belmont Stakes on June 9^th.    

Annapolis Rocks out to the Land Rover TriRock Triathlon

The Land Rover TriRock Triathlon Series made its second stop of the tour in Annapolis this past weekend. Over 1,400 athletes came out to swim, bike and run amongst the scenic backdrop of Annapolis. Other unique features in the race include: rock bands playing at different stretches along the course, red carpet finish, hot breakfast, tech tee and swag bag and a two day health and fitness expo.   Awards were given for competitors that finished in the top three of their age group, which ranged from 16-19 to 70-74 for both male and female participants. In addition, there was a Specialty division and Relay division for teams.

Indoors or Outdoors? Runners don’t have to choose

With the temperatures outside taking a dip (and holiday decorations popping up), most Marylanders are realizing that fall is winding down and old man winter will soon be knocking on our doors.  Some local athletes are taking advantage of what little good weather we have left, while some have begun to migrate their activities indoors.  This weekend marks the inaugural Annapolis Half Marathon, taking place in Maryland’s historic capital city.  The Annapolis racers will be braving whatever Mother Nature throws their way while some running enthusiasts in Howard County have moved their event indoors.

The Few, The Proud, The Savage

Today we have a guest blog from Suzanne Nicolas, Event and Special Groups Coordinator at Adventure Sports Center International in Deep Creek.  She helped organize the Savage Man Triathlon and gives her perspective on the race!

This past weekend more than 1200 athletes from 32 states and 7 countries (including more than 150 from Maryland) came to Garrett County to participate in the “World’s Hardest Triathlon” – The 5^th Annual SavageMan.  The brainchild of local athlete, Kyle Yost; the event is managed by Greg Safko of the Joanna M. Nicolay Melanoma Foundation based in Westminster, Maryland.  Their event monies all go directly to research and education.   Team Z – coached by Ed Zerkle – led the fundraising with over $31,000 as of Sunday.

Thousands Show their Mettle in the Iron Girl

The pre-race storm was like a blessing in disguise as it gave way to fresh, crisp air that created the perfect atmosphere for nearly 2,250 women to compete, endure and conquer the 2011 Athleta Iron Girl Triathlon at Centennial Park.  Husbands donned, “Real Men…Marry Athletes” t-shirts, children wielded pink and neon green posters declaring “My mom rocks,” and hundreds of local patrons gathered to cheer on 14 to 71 year-old women from 25 states including California, Oregon, and Alaska.