The 2002 running of the Andiamo W&OD 45 Mile Run saw the largest field in the ten year history of the event. Harry Bruell, pushed a baby stroller for the first six miles, and then passed a fading Gary Grilliot with three miles left to go to take the win. Anita Walker was the top female and finished third overall. Rebecca Moore, coming back from major challenges finished a little later.

All but one of the entrants showed up at the start despite "the sniper." The weather was cool, overcast, and a bit humid. This was the tenth running of Dave Moruzzi's creation. The Andiamo is a small, low key run, but it has loyal fans. Two of those are Carolyn Gernand and Paul Dwyer. Carolyn has done several Andiamos including the "virtual Andiamo" that we had one year. Paul was in the second Andiamo and many since.

We keep the field small by promising only two aid stations. But then we have several volunteers who come forward to supplement those two. This year, Russ Evans set out aid in Reston and Joe Clapper put aid out at Cedar Lane. Paul Ammann's wife Becky and his son Matt and friend Eamonn gave put aid out at the station in Vienna. Their efforts played to rave reviews. Bill VanAntwerp did something out there, but I am not sure where.

The two most important volunteers were Kathleen Cavanaugh and Tom Corris who got up early to drive runners to Purcellville. They were the key to the run. Thank you to all the volunteers!

The field sorted itself out pretty quickly. By the first aid station, it was clear that Anita Walker was going to do very well. She was fourth at that point and moved up to third by the end. She had wedged in the Andiamo into a tight schedule of marathons and David Horton's Masochists next weekend. Meanwhile, Joe Malinowski, and his ladies, Mary McMurray and Amy Riggio, were having way too much fun. This was Amy's first ultra.

The finish line was much more pleasant this year. Apparently, the "hiring hall" for day laborers has moved. As runners finished, they were awarded the coveted Andiamo finishers patch and a VHTRC refrigerator magnet and window decal. There was also a wonderful ham, turkey, and cheese sandwich made by the race director. (Well, it was a sandwich.)

Be sure to see the pictures I took and those from Paul Ammann on the GMU site.

All in all, it was another great day on the W&OD Trail. The event owes its popularity to this priceless recreational resource. Thanks to all who participated. We will see you again in 2004!

Prior Results