Under the initiative and leadership of Jerry Bocrie, the Tidewater Striders club was formed in 1972. The main purpose of the club is to promote and encourage running, particularly long distance running, through educational and charitable means, while a secondary purpose is to promote participation in other athletic and fitness endeavors, such as walking and triathlon.

Over the years, numerous club members have achieved acclaim at the local, regional, or national level for their significant contributions to these club purposes – some via exceptional performance in competition, some through dedicated volunteerism efforts, and some through professional services.

The Tidewater Striders annually honors its members in a variety of ways, including awards for competitive running, walking, and triathlon performance to different age groups, as well as awards for significant volunteer efforts to the club’s many activities. The Tidewater Striders also honors individuals periodically for their continued dedication to the club or outstanding accomplishments with the President’s Award and the Jerry Bocrie Founder’s Award.

The Tidewater Striders Hall of Fame award is designed to permanently enshrine those club members whose performance, volunteerism, or professional service in running, walking, and triathlon have helped make the Tidewater Striders one of the largest, most active, and most successful running clubs in the United States.

The inaugural class was inducted in 2011 and included 10 members. Members are listed alphabetically by year of induction with 8-10 of their most significant accomplishments as competitors (C), volunteers (V), or professionals (P).

 
  • Class of 2024 Tidewaters Striders Hall of Fame
    Dick Brothers


    Volunteerism
    • Race Volunteer of the Year- 2004, 2013, 2016
    • President’s Award- 2006, 2009
    • Volunteer of the Year for Club/Community Service- 2012, 2017, 2018, 2021
    • It is estimated that he has volunteered for over 250 races
    • Turkey Trot Volunteer Coordinator for 12 years
    • Elizabeth River Run assistant Race Director for 15 years
    • Striders Summer Series assistant Race Director for 5 years
    • Breezy Point Triathlon Transition Coordinator 2 years
    • Adopt-a-Trail coordinator 2023 to present
    • Neptune Festival 8K Race Director for 5 years
    • ASYMCA Mud Run assistant Race Director for 15 years
    • Sandman Triathlon Transition Coordinator for 2 years
    • Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Marathon Bus Coordinator for 2 years

    David Coulter


    Competition
    • Member Green Run HS track and field team 1981-1984
    • All State in cross country and the outdoor mile
    • Ran the mile in 4:18 in high school
    • Member of the 1984 and 1985 National Junior College Cross Country Championship teams from Brevard Junior College
    • Ran ERR in 1987 in 31:16 and in 1988 ran 30:31
    • Member Old Dominion U. cross country and track team in 1986 and 1987
    • All Conference in cross country in 1987
    • PRs include: 1500m -3:57, 5000m-14:40, 10K- 30:26, Half Marathon- 1:06:50

    Professionalism (Coaching)
    • Coach at Princess Anne High School 1990-1995 (cross country, indoor, and outdoor track)
    • PA boys team finished 4th in VA. State Meet in 1993
    • Coach at Corporate Landing Middle School 1997-1999 (boys were VB city champs)
    • Coach at Landstown High School 2000-2019 (cross country, indoor, and outdoor track)
    • While at Landstown the Boys finished 11th in the State in 2013 and 9th in 2014
    • The Girls track team won the State Championship in 2006, 2008 (indoor and outdoor) , and in 2009
    • The Boys track team won the State Championship in 2005

    Donald Grey


    Volunteerism
    • Donald was one of the 15 founding members of the Tidewater Striders in 1972
    • He was the club’s attorney in the early years
    • On November 18, 1975, he filed and orchestrated the approval of the Articles of Incorporation with the State Corporation Commission of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
    • Club president in 1976 and until August of 1977
    Competition
    • 1985 National Masters Pentathlon 2nd Place
    • 1986 State Champion (Indoors): 800 meters, high jump, pole vault
    • 1986 State Champion (Outdoors): 110m hurdles, high jump, pole vault
    • 1988 State Champion (Outdoors): javelin, 110m hurdles, 100m dash, pole vault
    • 1988 National Champion (Indoors) Pole Vault
    • 1989 State Champion Pole Vault (State Record for 60-64)
    • 1990 National Champion in the Pentathlon (60-64)
    • 1990 State Champion Outdoors: discus, long jump, pole vault (State Record 60-64)
    • 1990 Southeastern Masters Pentathlon Champion in Raleigh
    • 1990 TAC Southwest Regional Champion Javelin in San Diego
    • 1993 State Champion (Indoors): 55m dash, pole vault, long jump

    Joey Hallock


    Competition

    • Won or placed in her age group for most of the local races she ran
    • Won or placed in her age group for triathlons including Ocean View Triathlon, Breezy Point Triathlon, East Coast Triathlon, Greenville Triathlon, Stratford Harbor Tri, Bud Light, Riverspree Triathlon
    • Placed 3rd in her age group at the 1989 Hilton Head Triathlon. This event was a National Competition
    • Placed Second Overall Female in the Tidewater Striders Duathlon and was the only female in the entire race to average over 20 mph on the bike (at 70 years old)
    • First Female in the 2022 Outer Banks Duathlon
    • Her State Records include;
    5k 24:59 (70-74 age group)
    10k 47:58 (65-69 age group)
    10 miles 1:18:53 (65-69 age group)
    Half Marathon 1:51:32 (70-74 age group)

    Volunteerism

    • Served on the Tidewater Striders Triathlon Committee
    • Race Director for the East Coast Triathlon, the Etonic – A and N Duathlon, The Boy’s and Girl’s Club Duathlon, Ocean View Triathlon
    • Assistant Director, Tidewater Triathlon, USTS Bud Light Triathlon
    • Served on the awards committee 1987-1994
    • Finish line volunteer for several years

    Rick Platt


    Competitor

    Virginia State Records Broken

    • 5K 45-49 16:14 1996
    • 5K 50-54 16:51 2000
    • 10K 50-54 34:51 2007

    • Lifetime PR’s include: 1 Mile- 4:24, 5K- 15:26, 10 Mile- 51:50, Marathon- 2:23:55
    • Won the Virginia State AAU 5,000 meters
    • Colonial Road Runners record holder for 45-49 age group in 16:14
    • Colonial Road Runners record holder for 55-59 age group in 18:02
    • Currently holds 25 CRR race age-group records

    Volunteerism

    • President of the Peninsula Track Club 1975, 1976, 1979
    • President of the Colonial Road Runners 1994 to present

    Professionalism

    • One of the founders of the Hampton Roads Super Grand Prix
    • One of the founders of the Three Club Challenge
    • One of the founders of the Fastest of the 757
    • Writes weekly articles and race recaps in the Daily Press newspaper on the Peninsula

  • Class of 2023 Tidewaters Striders Hall of Fame
    Maria George


    Maria George has been a member of the Tidewater Striders since 1974. She is being inducted for her outstanding work as a club volunteer. Maria was one of the original 5 Board members in 1975 and the first female. She designed the first logo of the Tidewater Striders, served as club secretary, treasurer, newsletter editor, and timed the summer track meets from 1975-1988. In the 1980s she did the registration and results at nearly every Tidewater Strider race. In addition, Maria did the registration, timing, and results for the Shamrock Marathon from 1980-2007.

    Craig Hanner


    Craig Hanner is being inducted for his record as a competitor and as a volunteer. As a competitor Craig won 21 races from the late 1980s to the mid 1990s. He won or placed in the Tidewater Striders Grand Prix from 1989-1995. Craig was the ultimate team member representing the Striders on teams as far away as the New York Marathon and the Marine Corps Marathon. His contributions as a volunteer include serving as a Board member and president in 1991, chaired the publicity and public relations committee, teams committee, triathlon committee, marketplace coordinator.

    Thomas Hicks


    Thomas Hicks is being inducted as a competitor and as a volunteer. Thomas has MS but has not let that stop him from racing and pushing a stroller to help with his balance. In the past 10 years he has won multiple races overall and has finished in the top three Master runners (over age 40) in every race. In 2022 he won the Virginia Masters State Championship in the 1 Mile in 4:54.6 and the RRCA Masters 10K State Championship in 36:22. As a volunteer Thomas has served on the Board since 2019 and president since 2020. He chairs the teams committee, the race committee, and serves on the social media committee. In addition he is a New Energy coach, and was the race director of 10 of the Strider races in 2021. He was awarded the President of the Year in 2021 by the Road Runners Club of America.

    Jon Leiding


    Jon Leiding is being inducted as a competitor and as a volunteer. Jon has been a member since 2009 and has won or placed in the top three in the Grand Prix for his age group almost every year since. He is a great team member representing the Striders on teams for several years. As a volunteer Jon has been a coach for the New Energy program since 2009. For the past 5 years, Jon instituted “On the Run” on social media featuring local running results, “Shout Outs” to outstanding efforts by local runners, previews of races, and interviews of top running talent in the area.

    Michael Nestor


    Michael Nestor is being inducted for his professionalism, volunteerism, and competition as a high school and collegiate runner. Mike has been a teacher and coach at Ocean Lakes High School since it opened in 1994. In 2013 Mike was the Virginia Beach Sports Club Coach of the Year and in 2021 was the Virginia High School League Cross Country Coach of the Year. In 1987 Mike won the Beach District Cross Country Championship in 15:45 and finished 4th place in the State Championship in the 1600 meters in 4:21. He was the team captain in 1992 in the final year of the Old Dominion cross country program. At Old Dominion he ran the 1500 meters in 3:53 and the 5K in 14:45.


  • Class of 2022 Tidewaters Striders Hall of Fame

    From L-R: Sonya Anthony, Donald Greene, Joyce Ploeger, and Jane McNaught -(Not pictured: David W. Harrison)

    Sonya Anthony


    Sonya joined the Tidewater Striders in 1978 and was a member of the Board of Directors from 1981-1989. She was elected as the first female president of the Striders in 1988. Sonya was the race director of the Women’s Distance Festival 5K for several years. This was one of the signature events of the Tidewater Striders. In addition she was the race director of the Northwest River Park distance series for multiple years.
    Anthony was the host of a local television show, Tidewater Sports Eye. The show covered all local sporting events but her favorite part was when she interviewed runners and race directors.

    Don Greene


    Donald Greene served as a member of the Tidewater Striders Board of Directors in 1999, 2006, 2007, 2012, 2015, and 2016. He was the Volunteer of the Year for Club/Community Service in 2005. Then he won the Race Volunteer of the Year Awards in 2006, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2019. Don worked on the finish line crew for 26 years. When the newsletters were put together by hand Don worked every month for 15 years completing this task to make sure that almost 2,000 newsletters were sent out to the members on time. Lastly, Don worked at the Tidewater Striders water stop for the Shamrock Marathon for 10 years. He continues to volunteer at the Striders races as his health will allow.

    David W. Harrison

    David Harrison has been a Tidewater Strider member since 1985. He did extensive volunteerism from 1985 to 1995. He was club vice president in 1988-89 and president in 1990. He was a member of the Board of Directors from 1987-1990. He was the club newsletter editor from 1987-1990. Dave also directed two of Tidewater’s largest races – the Elizabeth River Run for 5 years and the Neptune Festival 8K for 3 years. He has won numerous national, regional, and local awards for his volunteer work including the Tidewater Striders Charles E. George Volunteer of the Year Award in 1988, the Tidewater Striders President’s Award in 1991 and 1992, the RRCA outstanding State Representative in 1992, the RRCA State of Virginia Most Outstanding Race Director in 1993, and the RRCA 2,000 hour volunteer award in 1997.

    Jane Ann McNaught


    Jane Ann McNaught (Romanczyk) is a former Western Branch High School (class of 1977) and William and Mary (class of 1981) runner. She was also an elite local runner after college for over twenty years. She won hundreds of awards, including 1st place finishes at the Norfolk Harborfest 10K in 1987 and the Norfolk Crime Line Half Marathon in 1988, and a 5th place finish at the Shamrock Marathon in 1989. Her volunteerism for running extends from serving on the Tidewater Striders Board of Directors, to serving as a race volunteer, race coordinator, and coaching. She served for two years as the assistant girls track coach for Crestwood Middle School in the late 1990’s. She was the assistant coach for St. Gregory the Great Middle School cross country and boys and girls track and field from 2002 – 2004 and head coach from 2004-2020.

    Joyce Ploeger


    Joyce has been a member of the Tidewater Striders since 1987 when she moved to Norfolk. She made an immediate impact on the running scene as she routinely won her age group or placed in the top three overall during the next six years.
    She won her age group in all three Marine Corps Marathons she ran and set a personal best of 3:06:06 in 1991 at age 48. From 1987-1992 she either won her age group or placed in the top three overall in the Turkey Trot 10K. Joyce placed first in her age group in numerous other 5K and 10K races during the 80s and 90s.
    Some of her PRs include: 1 mile: 5:53, 5K: 19:19, 10K: 39:05, and half marathon: 1:17:26.

  • Class of 2021 Tidewaters Striders Hall of Fame

    Winston Brown


    Winston qualifies in all three categories for induction into the Striders Hall of Fame. As a competitor he ran the best time in the United States for a 10 year in the 2-mile run in 11:32 and set a National record for 10 year olds in the 1-hour run on the track. At age 12 he ran the marathon in 2:59:44. In 1984 Winston won a Tidewater Striders scholarship and he ran for Brevard Junior College. He earned All-American honors in cross country in 1985 and was on their National Championship cross country teams in 1984 and 1985. He earned a scholarship to Old Dominion University and set the school record in the 10K in 30:18.

    As a volunteer Winston was the race director of the Portsmouth City Park 5K run for multiple years. Under the category of professionalism he coached cross country and track in the Portsmouth school system for 7 years. He became the cross country and track and field coach at Fork Union Military Academy in 1997. During that time his teams have won 23 State titles in cross country, indoor, and outdoor track and field. He has coached 22 All-Americans and a National Champion in the 800 meters.

    Angelo Celesia


    Angelo Celesia organized the most successful youth running program in the country as recognized by the Road Runners Club of America. His coaching enthusiasm coupled with incredible organizational skills enabled him to take a largely dormant New Energy youth running program and create a five-site program using dozens of volunteer coaches to give several hundred youth runners ages 6 to 16 the opportunity to learn the joys of distance running with the opportunity for competitive races.

    Specifically, he: marketed the program to youth, set up effective sign up systems to provide for New Energy involvement with youth memberships, recruited, trained, qualified and obtained background checks with insurance for the coaches, set up and distributed practice schedules to coaches and youth runner families, coordinated a youth grand prix race series with scoring and end of season youth awards parties. He moved all the communication protocols into the 21st century needed for families supporting their youth runners in the past two decades and shared the methodology and processes of this huge Striders success story with large national audiences at the RRCA convention.

    Angelo won the 2008 Tidewater Striders President’s award, the 2010, 2013, and 2015 Community Service Volunteer award, the 2012 Road Runners Club of America Outstanding Youth Program Director. He has been a committee member for the Seashore 50K for the past 11 years. For several years he provided technical support for social media, RunSignUp and Strider events and he was a certified RRCA running coach.

    Jim Dare


    Jim qualifies in two categories; as a Volunteer and as a Competitor. He was stationed in Norfolk with the U.S. Navy in the 90s and immersed himself in volunteering for the Striders. He was the founding race director of the Tom Bashara Memorial Scholarship 5K in 2000 and has been the race director or Registration Coordinator of the now Mel Williams Memorial Scholarship race since then. In 2004 Jim was named the Race Director of the Year and Race Volunteer of the Year. He served as a Board member from 2015-2019. From 2015-2018 Jim was an assistant coach at the Norfolk site for New Energy. Jim volunteered on a consistent basis at Turkey Trot, the Distance Series, Elizabeth River Run, the Strider Mile, and the Strider 10 Mile.

    Jim excelled as a competitor until back injuries took their toll in the late 1990s. In high school he ran 1:59.8 for the 880 and 4:27.2 for the mile. In college at the Naval Academy his PRs were 4:07 for the mile, 8:56.8 for the steeple chase. He earned All American honors in the steeple chase in 1968 for his 3rd place finish.

    As a post collegian Jim ran 4:05.8 for the mile and 8:33.4 for the steeple chase which was the 7th fastest all time American in 1972. Also he ran the 5K on the track in 14:33 and the marathon in 2:26:02.

    Jim was the inter-service military champion for the steeple chase in 1972 and 1974. He finished 4th in the U.S. Olympic Trials in 1972 which made him an alternate for the Olympic team.

    Brian Sagedy


    Brian qualifies for the Hall of Fame in two categories, volunteerism and professionalism. As a volunteer he was the voice of the Tidewater Striders for the Breezy Point Triathlon, the CHKD Summer Series, the Elizabeth River Run, and the annual awards banquet for many years. Brian served on the Striders Board of Directors from 1993-2004, was the announcer for the Shamrock Marathon from 1987-2002, and volunteered at numerous races, Adopt-a-Trail cleanups, and Adopt-a-Highway trash pickups over the years.

    In the area of professionalism Brian was the race director of the Neptune Festival 8K race from 2001 to 2019, coordinated the Sandman Triathlon, was the race director of the Elizabeth River Run from 2005-2017, and was the race director of the ASYMCA Mud Run from 2008-2019 raising over $800,000 to assist military families.

    Brian coordinated the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Marathon, was the race director of the Breezy Point Triathlon in 2012, was the announcer for the Virginia Beach Rock n Roll Half Marathon from 2001 to 2019 as well as many other Rock n Roll Marathons nationwide from 2012-2018.

    Brian won the Tidewater Striders President’s Award for outstanding service and dedication in 1992, Outstanding Race Director for the Road Runners Club of America in 2006, and the Tidewater Striders Race Director of the Year for 2006.

  • Class of 2020 Tidewaters Striders Hall of Fame

    Ken & Don Martin


    Ken and Don began running locally in the late 70’s. It was apparent to anyone involved with the club that Ken and Don were two of the Tidewater Striders heavy hitters. As most runners did in the early days, Ken and Don would show up to races, help Charlie George with set up, run the event, and then help break down the finish line.
    Ken and Don were the newsletter editors for the Tidewater Striders before computers streamlined the process. The newsletter was created with cut and paste graphics in the comfort of their home. The final draft was taken to the local print store and picked up a week later. It would then take a week for Ken and Don to collate and insert the race fliers, staple and label each newsletter. The newsletters were then bundled by zip codes into the appropriate mail bags and delivered to the post office. They accomplished these tasks with no outside help and the entire process would take two to three weeks to complete. There are still collections that can be found of newsletters they created and it is truly amazing to see the quality and consistency of the newsletters Ken and Don produced.
    Ken and Don also served as committee members and the Race Program Editors for the Shamrock Marathon. Most of the new Tidewater Strider members would probably not know the Shamrock Marathon was a club-owned event and was one of our signature races. Ken and Don served on the Shamrock Committee for 21 years.
    For well over two decades, Ken and Don Martin have shown consistency, a passion for running, and a dedication towards the Tidewater Striders. They both were competitive age-group runners having run some pretty impressive times. Over forty years later, they still enjoy running and walking. Ken and Don Martin are being inducted to the Tidewater Striders Hall of Fame for their decades of volunteerism.

    Tommy Neeson


    Tommy Neeson qualifies for the Tidewater Striders Hall of Fame as a competitor and as a volunteer. He has been a member of the Striders for 18 years. During his running career Tommy won two marathons and two 50K’s and over 20 other races. In 2007 he set the 50K World Record on the treadmill with a time of 3:26. He was the Striders Overall Grand Prix winner twice, finished 2nd and 3rd overall and won the Masters division twice. He ran over 71 marathons with a PR of 2:35 at the 2003 Shamrock Marathon. In winning the 2003 Hatfield and McCoy Marathon he broke the course record. In 2008 he ran solo from Maine to Florida in honor of his daughter. Tommy started pacing in 2004 and paced 52 marathons, 19 half marathons, and a 30K in 12 states, D.C. and Canada. He was a pacer for the Cliff Bar team from 2006-2018.

    Tommy also contributed significantly as a volunteer to the Tidewater Striders. He served on the Board of Directors for 6 years, was coordinator of the race teams, chairman of the Grand Prix and Website committees, and race director of the Mel Williams Scholarship 5K from 2013-2016. He received the Volunteer of the Year award in 2005 and was awarded the President’s award in 2007.

    Rudi Schuster


    Dr. Rudolf Franz Schuster was born on August 26, 1925 in Munich, Germany and was drafted into the German Luftwaffe at age 14. He was captured by the Americans in 1945 in France and later escaped. Once the war ended Rudi decided to pursue a career in medicine because of all the suffering that he witnessed during the war. After completing medical school in Germany in 1952 he began practicing medicine in 1953 in Washington, D.C. He moved to Norfolk in 1953 and until he retired in 1992 he practiced at DePaul, Leigh Memorial, Norfolk General Hospitals and Autumn Care Nursing Home.
    Rudi also had his private practice on Bute Street in downtown Norfolk by the YMCA. He became the family physician to many Strider members over the years. After retirement Rudi stayed active by volunteering at the Beach Health Clinic, making house calls, and visiting nursing homes until retiring for good in 2014. Rudi was appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson as the German Consular in 1964. He served in this role for thirty-two years until 1996.
    Rudi Schuster was one of the earliest members of the Tidewater Striders joining in 1973. In the early days of the club Rudi served as the medical advisor through the 1980s, the club treasurer, long time Board member, and helped to draft the club’s constitution. He was an incredible athlete not just as a runner but, when injuries took their toll, he became a champion bike racer and triathlete. His first running race was a Master’s Mile in 1970 at age 45. In the 1970s and 80s Rudi dominated the 50 and over age group in the local running races. He also represented the Tidewater Striders on several teams often going to Charlottesville for the Virginia State Master’s Track and Field Championships. In 1979 for example he placed 3rd in the 5K in the 50-59 age group in 20:49. Rudi competed in several marathons including the Boston Marathon in 1985 and 1987. He ran his personal best of 3:14 in 1987 at age 62. When he switched to triathlons he immediately excelled. Although swimming was not his best event, he won the 60 and over U.S. National Triathlon Association Championships in 1986 at Hilton Head and placed 3rd in 1985. Rudi also competed in the Iron Man in Hawaii in 1983 and a modified Iron Man in New Zealand in 1987.

    Steve Shapiro


    Steve Shapiro qualifies in two categories; as a competitor and as a volunteer for his work as a Board member, club president, race director, and committee chair. In the mid 2000s Steve was unbeaten in local road races on the Peninsula and the Southside for several years. Some of his top performances include: 3rd place in the 50-54 age group at the USATF National 5K race-walk in 2004, gold medal in the 5K and 1500m race-walk at the National Senior Games in 2005, selected as the Tidewater Striders Outstanding Male Performance Award in 2006, race walked to a PR at the Sarasota Marathon in 2006 with a time of 4:48:15. He earned a silver medal in the 5K and 1500m race-walk at the National Senior Games in 2007, was designated a USATF All-American with his performance in the 1500m of 7:14 in 2007, race walked the East Beach Half Marathon in 2:08:05 in 2008, race walked 75 miles in a 24 hour ultra in 2012, and 106 miles in a 48 hour ultra in 2013.
    Steve served on the Tidewater Striders Board of Directors from 2012-2019 and was the Vice President in 2014 and President from 2015-2019. He has been the co-race director of the Distance Series for 4 years and co-race director of the Strider Mile for 3 years. Steve re-started the meeting of the 3 running clubs in Hampton Roads (Colonial Road Runners, Peninsula Track Club, and the Tidewater Striders) which had been dormant for several years. He also secured a facilitator and helped guide the production of the Strategic Plan which guided the Striders for several years.

  • Class of 2019 Tidewaters Striders Hall of Fame

    Juanita Etheridge

    Juanita Etheridge, a Virginia Beach resident, joined the Tidewater Striders in 1979. She established herself as one of our area’s best runners. She set the course record at Shamrock Marathon that stood for 10 years (2:44:08). And in the 1980s, Etheridge won 33 consecutive road races and competed in five marathons. In addition to her love for running, she was an avid softball player, being inducted into the Tidewater Virginia Softball Hall of Fame in 1993 for her accomplishments. In addition to her own participation in athletics, Etheridge coached cross country and track & field at Norfolk State University and then later coached basketball, field hockey and track at Granby High School. Accolades for her work include being recognized with the Norfolk Public Schools Inspiration Award for Most Outstanding in Health and Physical Education. Today, she officiates for field hockey and lacrosse.

    R. Michael Fuller


    R. Michael Fuller, also a Virginia Beach resident, became a member of the Tidewater Striders in the mid-1980s. Twenty nine years old when he began running, Fuller enjoyed over two decades involved in the sport. Although he ran races of all distances, longer distances were his specialty; he competed in 32 marathons logging a personal best of 2:33:13. Fuller supported the sport administratively, serving on the Tidewater Striders board of directors for 4 years including one year as president. Additionally, he co-founded and coordinated the club’s annual Golf Tournament which served as a club fund raiser. Outside of club activities, Fuller served as an advisor to the Chesapeake City Planning Commission for the development of running, biking and multipurpose trails, lobbying City Council members for their support.

  • Class of 2018 Tidewaters Striders Hall of Fame

    Front Row: 2018 Inductees: Jean Phelan, Michael Harrison, Renee High
    (Not pictured: Steve Speirs)

    Michael Harrison


    For more than a decade, Michael Harrison demonstrated consistency, considerable strength, passion and a dedication for the sport of running and for the Tidewater Striders. Michael, a resident of Suffolk, qualified for and competed in the men’s Olympic Marathon Trials (1992 and 1996) and claimed many out-right marathon wins including Grandfather Mountain Marathon (1992, 1993, 1994), Rocket City Marathon (1993), Steamtown Marathon (1997), Charlotte Marathon (1997), New Jersey Shore Marathon (2000), Shamrock Marathon (1998, 2001) and Richmond Marathon (1992, 1993, 1995, 2000). Across his many years as a competitive marathon runner, Michael earned a personal best time of 2:19:50 (which equates to 5 minutes and 20 second per mile for 26.2 miles!). In addition to being an accomplished marathoner, Michael also excelled at shorter and longer distances. His personal best in the mile is 4:28 and his personal best in the 50-Miler is 5:55:46 (a time which earned him an invitation to the 50-Miler World Championship held in Japan). In addition to his many admirable athletic accomplishments, Michael was always a staunch supporter of the Tidewater Striders. He volunteered at the club’s newsletter stuffing and their Shore Drive trash pick up for years. As well, Michael provided support and mentoring to numerous local runners.

    Renee High


    Renee High was born and raised in Kentucky where she started running at the age of 8. She competed in track and cross country, during high school, serving as team captain her sophomore, junior and senior years. Just after she moved to Virginia Beach in 2003, Renee connected with a local running store and was soon chasing the marathon and distance running dream. This dream has come true as she earned victories at Shamrock Marathon (2006), Disney Marathon (2012, 2013) and the Virginia 10-Miler (2011). Her level of accomplishment in the sport earned her two invitations to the women’s Olympic Marathon Trials (2008, 2012). Renee’s love for the sport led her to pursue a Master’s Degree in Exercise Science, from Old Dominion University, where she developed a strong bond with Dr. Mel Williams, an internationally recognized exercise physiologist. Today, she practices as a registered nurse and in this capacity, she gives of her time and energy serving on the medical team at the Tidewater Strider’s Seashore Nature Trail 50K. Renee recently was sidelined with hip injuries but intends to return to the sport, and hopefully qualify, for a third Olympic Marathon Trials.

    Jean Phelan


    Former Tidewater Strider President, Jean Phelan, is recognized for her volunteerism and professionalism. Jean served on the club’s board of directors for 7 years, including: 2 years as President, 1 year as Vice President and 3 years as Secretary. Although no longer a board member, Jean continues to be a “go to” resource on many levels for basic club operations. She, quite simply, makes good things happen for the club. Jean serves on several committees, including: the club’s Race Committee, the Ultra-Race Committee, the Picnic Committee, and she is the Turkey Trot co-volunteer coordinator. For her volunteer efforts, Jean received the Bronze Club/Community Service award (2008), the Bronze Race Volunteer award (2009), and the Presidential award (2009). Professionally, Jean spent numerous years as Water Station Coordinator for both the Shamrock Marathon and the Virginia Beach Rock ‘n’ Roll ½ Marathon. Additionally, she served as Race Director for the running club’s Distance Series and Summer Series events. In recognition of professional accomplishments, Jean was awarded the club’s prestigious Race Director of the Year award in 2013. Beyond her volunteer and Professional contributions, Jean can easily be considered a tremendous ambassador for the Tidewater Striders, as she takes to the roads at various races around the country.

    Steve Speirs


    Steve Speirs, a Wales native and long time Virginia Beach resident, has been a club member for nearly 2 decades and is being honored for his competitiveness and volunteerism. Steve began running to get in shape for rugby and football, and competed in his first race (1/2 marathon) in 1982, in the under-16 age category. That clearly was a sign that Steve would become an accomplished distance runner. He placed 3rd and 4th overall in 2013 and 2014, respectively, in the highly regarded Rocky Raccoon 100-Mile Trail Run (United States Track & Field National Championship), placed 2nd in the 2017 North Coast 20-hour Endurance Run (USATF National Championship), and won the Cayman Islands Marathon 4 times (2009, 2010, 2016, and 2017) – just to cite a few of his numerous athletic accomplishments. Additionally, Steve managed the Tidewater Strider’s website for more than a decade, completing a full redesign and providing timely and needed “facelifts” twice to ensure the site of up-to-date technically. His work also includes managing aspects of the club’s social presence. Since 2009, Steve also built and maintained the website for the club’s ultra-distance run, the Seashore Nature Trail 50K. Because of Steve’s design expertise; this web interface handles 99% of race registration, in a paperless manner.

  • Class of 2017 Tidewaters Striders Hall of Fame

    Chris Catoe


    Chris Catoe, a long-time resident of Virginia Beach, has been running for over 40 years and continues to excel at whatever distance he pursues. Chris holds three Virginia state age group records including the 80 – 84 year old 10K state record of 1:02:28 set in 2015. He continues to be ranked by the Washington Running Report as one of the top runners in the state including a first place in his age group recognition in 2002. In addition to his terrific running performances, Chris is a tremendous volunteer both for the running club and in the community. He has won the club’s Volunteer of the Year award as well as the Presidential Award for Volunteer Service (twice). Chris spear headed the effort to raise $6,000 to construct a bridge in First Landing State Park and led the Tidewater Striders in their efforts to raise over $30,000 for the Relay for Life.

    Billy Edwards


    Billy Edwards, a Boulder, Colorado resident, was raised and began his running career here in Hampton Roads. While only 38 years old, Billy has been a Tidewater Strider for 31 years. He excelled in the club’s New Energy youth running group, qualifying and competing in the National AAU XC Championships for 6 years. He dominated the high school running scene and went on to compete for the US Naval Academy at the varsity level in both track and XC; while at the Academy, Billy set an indoor mile personal record of 4:16. Billy began multisport racing in 1999 and competed at a professional level from 2007 – 2012 during which he qualified for and competed in the Ironman World Championship. Today, Billy still competes but he spends much of his time as a personal coach and as the triathlon coach for the US Naval Academy where he led Navy to 3 USA Triathlon Club Team Championships.

    Bill Hart


    Bill Hart, a Tidewater Strider member for well over 30 years, continues in his 60s to be a competitive and accomplished runner. He holds the Virginia state record in the 65 – 69 year category for the ½ Marathon with a time of 1:31:48 (set in 2014) and has been recognized by the Washington Running Times with a top ranking in his age group (65 – 69) in 2014. Bill began his running career at Kellam High School in Virginia Beach where he was named Track Athlete of the Year his senior year. After a short break from running, Bill returned choosing the marathon as his challenge. He quickly qualified for the prestigious Boston Marathon and recorded a 2:32 personal best time in the distance. On the local scene, Bill placed 3rd and 1st Master at the 1989 Shamrock Marathon in a time of 2:38.

    Rich Hildreth


    Former Tidewater Strider President, Rich Hildreth, is recognized primarily for his volunteerism and professionalism. Rich served on the club’s board of directors for 10 years including 4 years as Vice President and 6 years as President. He has generously given of his time in numerous volunteer efforts including leading the club’s Adopt a Highway initiative (1994 to present), overall volunteer coordinator for the club (2004 – 2013), and serving as a volunteer at too numerous to mention running events. On a professional level, Rich serves as a member of the Virginia Beach Bikeways and Trail Committee, a position appointed by the Virginia Beach city council and currently is chair of the committee. This committee’s efforts resulted in the bike path on Shore Drive and their continued work now is focused on a bike path between Newtown Road and Bird Neck Road. Additionally, Rich was instrumental in working with the city to maintain the upkeep of the 64th Street water fountain in First Landing State Park.

    RP Kale


    Former Tidewater Strider Executive Director, RP Kale served the club as a tremendous volunteer from 1986 – 2003. He was the club’s military liaison, Race Committee Chairperson (10 years), and Elizabeth River Run Race Director (8 years) to highlight a few of the many areas where he contributed. For his efforts, RP received the club’s Volunteer of the Year award in 1988 and was recognized by the Road Runners Club of America with a 2000 Hour Volunteer Award. RP later went on to start Kale Running Company, the first organization to bring electronic timing to our region which resulted in streamlining results. His company’s services benefited numerous events in the area including a host of MWR military races. RP himself was an accomplished local runner with personal bests of a 1:18 in the ½ Marathon and a 5:10 mile. And he joined with other local runners for a Masters Team that won first place at the 1988 Marine Corps Marathon.

  • Class of 2016 Tidewaters Striders Hall of Fame

    2016 Inductees: Paul E. Steele, Leisa Villani, Ken Lampert, Kathleen McAllister Morgan and Michele Smith-Harden

    Ken Lampert


    Ken Lampert was elected into the Tidewater Striders Hall of Fame for his many accomplishments in competition, volunteerism, and professionalism. He joined the Tidewater Striders soon after its inception, and was a dominant competitive male runner in most local and regional events, both track and road races, during the club’s early years from 1976 through the mid-1980s. Ken was also a key volunteer for the club, serving as a member of one its first leadership councils and one of the club’s early race directors. He is the founding race director for the Run for Sight 5K, one of the Striders most significant charitable races, producing considerable funding over the years for disabled athletes. Professionally, Ken has served as the head coach, on a volunteer basis, for cross country and track at Norfolk Academy for nearly four decades.

    Competition

    • As noted in The History of the Tidewater Striders 1972-2012, Ken was the dominant male runner in most local and regional races during the club’s early years from 1976 through 1987.
    • Personal bests include the following:
      • Mile – 4:07
      • 5 kilometers – 14:15
    • Recipient, in 1981, of the Tidewater Striders Overall Achievement award for performance in track events, winning both the 800-meters and 1500-meters at the Virginia State Track Championships

    Volunteerism

    • Race director:
    • Founding race director of the initial VABA 5K run, subsequently called the Run for Sight 5K, a Strider event held in conjunction with Lions International and the Virginia Association for Blind Athletes (VABA). He continued to direct the race for the club for more than 30 years.
    • Directed eight AAU/USATF state and regional championships for the Striders, as well as two Virginia State championships.
    • Helped organize the Hampton Roads Athletic Association, whose purpose was to put on affordable summer track meets with competition for youth, open, masters, and military runners.
    • Served as a National Guide Runner for Blind Athletes for the United States Olympic Committee for several years.
    • Received the Norfolk Sports Club Unsung Hero Award in 2007, given annually to someone who best exemplifies dedicated service and unselfish devotion to a community.

    Professionalism

    Served as the head coach at Norfolk Academy for both the boys’ and girls’ varsity and junior varsity teams, including cross-country and indoor and outdoor track and field. Over the course of his 38-year coaching tenure Ken’s teams have won about 85 percent of their meets, including numerous Tidewater Conference and State of Virginia Independent School championships, and he has been the recipient of numerous Coach of the Year awards, including the state Coach of the Year award for 2015.

    Kathleen McAllister Morgan


    Kathleen McAllister Morgan is a 35-year member of the Tidewater Striders and was one of the most successful female distance runners in the club during the 1980s and 1990s, winning many local and regional road races either overall or as an age-group winner. Kathleen raced a variety of distances, ranging from the mile to the marathon. Kathleen competed on Tidewater Striders Race Teams locally and regionally and she’s won several Tidewater Striders Grand Prix awards. Kathleen also competed successfully in triathlons and set a course record in a Military Pentathlon. Her competitive running career came to end in 2003 with a spinal injury, so she channeled her energy into volunteer efforts, serving as a coach and the Program Coordinator for Dare County Special Olympics.

    Competition

    • Personal bests include the following:
      • Mile – 5:18
      • 5 kilometers – 17:15
      • 10 kilometers – 37:20
      • Marathon – 2:58
    • Multiple Tidewater Striders Grand Prix award winner

    Volunteerism

    • Member, Board of Directors of the Tidewater Striders, 4 Years
    • Officer, Board of Directors of the Tidewater Striders, 2 Years
    • Shamrock Sportsfest Committee Member, 17 years
    • Head of Delegation, Dare County Special Olympics, 2 Years
    • Race Chairman, Polar Plunge Virginia 5K, 4 Years
    • Special Olympics, Virginia Council Member, 7 Years
    • Volunteered with MWR to organize and put on 5K and 10K races on Camp Buehring, Kuwait while on deployment.
    Michele Smith-Harden


    Michele Smith-Harden is one of the most dedicated long-distance runners in the local Tidewater Striders, but also in the United States and even the world. Michele has not only completed an official marathon in all 50 of the United States, but has also completed an official marathon on all seven continents, including Antarctica. She is a bona fide member of the 50 States Marathon Club and the Seven Continents Club. In nearly 50 percent of these races Michele has placed in the awards for the overall, masters, or age-group divisions. Michele designs special running outfits to wear for each event, and photos of her racing have been published in many newspapers around the country, including the Virginian Pilot. Among her awards, Michele is a recipient of the Tidewater Striders Outstanding Performance Award in 2010.

    Competition

    • Completed a marathon in all 50 of the United States and is an official member of the 50-States Marathon Club
    • Completed a marathon on all seven continents, and is an official member of the Severn Continents Club.
    • Tidewater Striders Outstanding Performance Award in 2010
    Paul E. Steele


    Paul E. Steele has been a member of the Tidewater Striders for over 35 years, and was very successful as a master’s runner. He competed on numerous Tidewater Striders masters teams that placed first in local and national events, such as the Shamrock Marathon and the Marine Corps Marathon. Paul was also a dedicated volunteer for the club, serving as the editor for the club’s newsletter, The Rundown, from 1990-98. As its editor, The Rundown was awarded the Virginia Newsletter of the Year in 1994 by the RRCA. Paul also was selected by the RRCA for a National Volunteer of the Year Award in 1998. He is a four-time recipient of the Tidewater Striders President’s Award and was awarded the Charles R. George Volunteer of the Year in 1992. Paul also has served as co-race director for the Kempsville Lions Frosty 5K for the past 5 years.

    Competition

    • Ran 11 Marine Corps Marathons with a PR of 2:49, qualifying for Boston.
    • Ran 10 Shamrock Marathons
    • Ranked in the top 5 in his age group by the Regional Runner Rankings, once as high as 3rd place.
    • Finished 1st place age group Rock & Roll half-marathon, 2002
    • Finished first overall in the SeaSide half marathon in 1983.
    • Qualified for and ran the Boston Marathon once, qualified 3 times.

    Volunteerism

    • Editor, The Rundown from 1990-1998
    • RRCA National Volunteer Award, 1998
    • RRCA Virginia Newsletter of the Year, 1994
    Leisa Villani


    Leisa Villani is one of the most successful female masters and senior runners to compete for the Tidewater Striders, earning recognition for her accomplishments locally, statewide, regionally, nationally, and internationally. Over the course of the past dozen years or so she has placed first as the overall masters’ and age-group winner in numerous local races, and often would also be the first overall female finisher. At the state level, she currently holds six Virginia State Road Race age-group records. In 2008, the Washington Running Report, which details running performances for the mid-Atlantic region, ranked Leisa as 1st for the year in her age group; she was labeled the Tornado from the South. Also that year Leisa received national and international recognition in the half-marathon.

    Competition

    • In 2008, Leisa ranked 5th in the USA and 25th in the world in the half-marathon for females age 50-54.
    • In 2008 the Washington Running Report, which details running performances for the mid-Atlantic region, ranked Leisa 1st for the year in the female age group 50-54.
    • Virginia State Road Race age-group records:

    Female age group 45-49

    • 5K – 18:41 set in 2003
    • 10K – 39:02 set in 2003

    Female age group 50-54

    • 5K – 19:19 set in 2008
    • 10K – 39:48 set in 2010
    • Half marathon – 1:27:09 set in 2008

    Female age group 55-59

    • Half marathon – 1:30:50 set in 2014

    Female age group 45-45

    • Former record holder for marathon – 3:03:30
    • Outstanding Female Performance Award from the Tidewater Striders (2003)
    • North Carolina State RRCA Half Marathon Grandmasters Female (2009)
    • Virginia State RCAA Female Masters Champion in the 10K (2010)
    • Personal best race times:
    • 5K – 18:41
    • 10K – 38:58
    • 10 Miles – 1:04:48
    • Half Marathon – 1:25:13
    • Marathon – 3:03:30
  • Class of 2015 Tidewaters Striders Hall of Fame
    Betty B. Brothers


    Betty Brothers is a longtime member, nearly 18 years, of the Tidewater Striders Running Club. Over the years, along with her husband Dick Brothers, she has contributed significantly in various volunteer capacities to the club to help make it as successful as it has been. However, Betty also became one of the most successful senior runners in the club and her performance as a competitive age-group runner has been profiled several times over the years in the local news media, including CBN-TV. Here are some of Betty’s most significant accomplishments in running over the years.

    Competition

    • Holds two Virginia State records in the 60-64 age group
      • 20K (1:43:45)
      • Marathon (3:54:55)
    • Holds the Virginia State record in the 65-69 age group for the marathon (4:08:24)
    • Ranked in the top 10 in her age group by the Washington Running Report, once as high as 2nd place.
    • Earned the Tidewater Striders female performance award in 2008
    • Won the overall female masters Grand Prix in 2007, 2009 and 2010, and age-group Grand Prix from 2001 through 2013.
    • Placed 2nd overall in 2011Elizabeth River run age-graded competition for both genders.
    • Finished in top 4 in age group in last 12 Shamrock Marathons including four 1st place finishes
    • Finished in top 4 in age group in last 8 Richmond Marathons including five 1st place finishes.
    • Finished first overall female in the Eastern Shore Run for the Animals half marathon in 2013.
    • Qualified for and ran the Boston Marathon 3 times.
    Leslie Fedon Harrison


    Leslie Fedon Harrison has been elected into the Tidewater Striders Hall of Fame for her competitive performance as both a runner and triathlete, as well as for her lengthy successful career as a coach of high school cross-country and track athletes. Leslie grew up as a competitive swimmer in Pennsylvania, began running as a walk-on at Penn State University, and also learned cycling skills along the way. She completed her first of four Hawaiian Ironman Triathlon World Championship competitions in 1985. Leslie focused on running in the 1990s and, as noted by her performance times below, became one of the premier local and regional distance runners. . As the cross country and track coach at Cox High School in Virginia Beach for 18 years, Leslie has enjoyed sharing her passion for running and competition and in the process helping to develop numerous district, regional, and state champions.

    Competition

    Triathlon

    • Placed 9th overall in the 1989 Hawaii Ironman World Championship
    • Placed 1st in 18-24 age group in the 1988 Hawaii Ironman World Championship
    • Winner of the Sandman Triathlon in Virginia Beach five (5) times
    • Winner of the Ocean View Triathlon in Norfolk five (5) times
    • Winner of the East Coast Triathlon in Virginia Beach four (4) times

    Running

    • Qualified for the 1996 Olympic Trials with a personal best and an A Standard time of 2:41:47 at the 1995 Shamrock Marathon.
    • Personal records in road races of other distances include the following:
    • 5K – 16:48 (1992)
    • 10K – 35:31 (1995)
    • 10 Mile – 57:59 (1992)
    • Half Marathon – 1:15:11 (1994)

    Professionalism:

    Served as Head Girls Cross Country and Track coach at Cox High School for 18 years

    • Coached 3 State Champions
    • Coached a Beach and Regional Championship girls cross country team in 2000
    • Numerous All District and All Region runners
    K. E. Morgan


    K. E. Morgan has been a member of the Tidewater Striders for more than 30 years, serving the club as a volunteer in numerous capacities, including member of the Board of Directors, Vice President, and President. During his presidency K.E. was instrumental in the incorporation of the Tidewater Triathlon Club into the Striders organization, expanding the Striders’ outreach to multisport athletes. With the continuing growth of the club, and its treasury, K.E. initiated a check and balance system to monitor club finances, which eventually resulted in the discovery of $21,000 in missing funds. He initiated a lengthy legal process which eventually resulted in the restoration of the embezzled funds to the club treasury. Other than his volunteer administrative roles with the club, K.E. also volunteered in a variety of other ways, including race director for several key club events, committee chairperson for club road races and triathlons, and service on various club committees. Other than his volunteer contributions to the club, K.E. thoroughly enjoyed running competition. Although a self-professed nonelite runner, he placed in the top three finishers consistently in local races with Clydesdale body weight categories for big, fit runners.

    Volunteerism:

    • Recipient of the RRCA 2,000 Hour Volunteer Award (1995)
    • Recipient of the Charles E. George Volunteer of the Year Award (1991)
    • Recipient of the Tidewater Striders President’s Award (1991)
    • President of the Tidewater Striders for four terms (1988-1990; 1992-1994)
    • Vice-President of the Tidewater Striders for one term (1987)
    • Member of the Board of Tidewater Striders Board of Directors (8 years)
    • Race Director or Race Coordinator for local road races
      • Suffolk YMCA Spring Stride, 7 years
      • Smithfield 10 Miler, 4 years
      • Run for the Children, 2 years
    • Committee Chairperson for major local road races/triathlons
      • Breezy Point Triathlon Race Committee, 20 years
      • Shamrock Sportsfest Committee, 17 years
      • Elizabeth River Run Race Committee, 11 years
  • Class of 2014 Tidewaters Striders Hall of Fame
    Bill Bernard (C, V, P)


    Bill Bernard has demonstrated excellence in all three areas of consideration for election into the Hall of Fame. As a competitor, Bill was a member of winning Tidewater Strider teams during the early 1980s. He placed in the top 10 in the Shamrock Marathon twice, and had a personal best marathon time of 2:30:51. As a volunteer, Bill founded the New Energy Youth Running Team in 1985 and developed it into the dominant youth team in Virginia. Two New Energy runners won individual national cross country championships. Professionally, Bill has 25 years of experience, coaching the Kellam Knights cross country and track teams, winning 43 Beach District Championships. His girls’ team placed 2nd in the 2004 State AAA Track Championships. Bill is considered one the top distance coaches in Virginia, coaching runners to 7 individual distance state titles, and two state relay titles. His athletes have competed successfully in the U.S.A.Track and Field Championships and the Penn Relays. Bill has produced two Millrose Milers. His runners have set distance records on the district, region, and state level.

    Competition

    • Placed 5th in the 1983 Shamrock Marathon, 2:32.31; personal best in the 1983 Marine Corps Marathon, 2:30:51.
    • Personal bests performances as a member of the Tidewater Striders: 10K, 31:44; 10 Mile, 53:34; 25K, 1:24:08; 30K, 1:43:15; marathon, 2:30:51.

    Volunteerism

    • Founded the New Energy Youth Running Team in 1985 and coached until 1992
    • New Energy became the dominant youth team in the Southern Region, winning multiple Virginia and Southern United States championships in The Athletes Congress (TAC) and American Amateur Union (AAU) competition.
    • Tidewater Striders Coach of the Year, 1988.

    Professionalism

    • Head Cross Country and Track Coach at Kellam High School for 25 years.
    • Runner-up in the 2004 girls AAA State Track Championship Meet
    • Four runners won a total of seven individual state championships in distance events
    • Coached three state champions in the 1600, with Bobby Peavey running 4:09:32 indoors
    • Coached athletes to top 6 in the Millrose Games, Penn Relays, and U. S. Championships
    • Founded the Bernard Distance Project to coach local age group and elite distance runners
    Ed Brinkley (C, V)


    Ed Brinkley has been a very successful age group runner in both the Hampton Roads area and in Charleston, South Carolina. Over the years he placed first in his age group in many key races, including the Shamrock Marathon in 1986, the Marine Corps Marathon in 1988, and the Cooper River Bridge Run in 2006. In South Carolina Ed holds multiple state age group records in the 70-74 age group, including the 5K, 8K, and 10K. He also holds the 5K state record in Alabama for men age 70-74. Ed was also long time member of the Board of Directors for the club, and served as its treasurer for eight years. He was instrumental in restoring fiscal solvency to the Striders following embezzlement of its funds by the former treasurer. Ed also served on other committees and is a two-time recipient of the club’s Presidential Award. He also received the RRCA National Volunteer Award in 1994. His combination of competitive racing and extensive volunteerism warrant his inclusion in the Tidewater Striders Hall of Fame.

    Competition

    • Washington Runners Report, 2003 age 60-64, first place
    • 1st Place, Marine Corps marathon 45-49 age group, 1988, time: 2:39.36
    • 1st Place, Raleigh 10 miler, age 45-49, 1988, time: 55:46
    • Doug Harvey Memorial Award for Masters Champion. Jacksonville, Florida Marathon (1988) 2:39.52.
    • 1st age group, Shamrock marathon, 1986, 45-49, time: 2:43.35
    • South Carolina State Age Group Records
      • Age group 65-69 – 10K, 41:43
      • Age group 65-69 – 5K,19:52
      • Age group 70-74 – 5K, 21:02
      • Age group 70-74 – 8K, 35:06
      • Age group 70-74 – 10K, 45:50
    • Alabama State Age Group Record
      • Age group 70-74 – 5K, 21:29

    Volunteerism

    • Tidewater Strider Board of Directors, 1988-1996; Treasurer, 1989-1996
    • RRCA National Volunteer Award, 1994
    • Volunteer of the Year, 1994
    • Member, Scholarship Committee for over 10 years
    • Distinguished President’s Award, 1992, 1993
    Steve Durrant (C, V, P)


    Excelling in all three categories – competition, volunteerism and professionalism, Steve Durrant is the first pure walker accepted into the Tidewater Strider Hall of Fame. A National Level USATF Official and Certified Race Walk Judge for the 2009-2016 Olympiads, Steve is dedicated to maintaining the integrity of the sport, and is highly regarded by the USATF National Race Walk Committee to make judgments based on fairness and accuracy. He is an articulate writer as evidenced by numerous articles appearing over the years in The Rundown and e-Rundown. At the request of International race walking coach, competitor, and author, Dave McGovern, Steve wrote “Developing Organized Walking Within a Running Club,” which is posted on McGovern’s Web site and is a blue print for all sports clubs to follow. Steve is, in a few words, what defines the sport of walking. Among his many accolades are the following:

    Competition

    • USATF National 5K Race Walk Championships:
      • 65-69 age group 3rd place (2008);
      • 70-74 age group 1st place (2009), 3rd place (2010), 2nd place (2011).
    • Masters Race Walking Rankings 5,000 meters, 65-69 age group 16th place (2006).
    • USATF Southeastern Masters T&F Championship,
      • 70-74 age group 1,500 meter Race Walk, 1st place, (2010-2011); age group record, (2010) 10:05;
      • 70-74 age group 5,000 meter Race Walk, 1st place, (2010-2011).
    • Virginia Senior Games, 5,000 meter Race Walk,
      • 65-69 age group, 1st place (2006)
      • 70-74 age group 1st place, (2010-2013)

    Volunteerism

    • Tidewater Strider Race Director of the Year (2007)
    • Tidewater Strider Club/Community Service Volunteer of the Year Bronze Award
      (2009)
    • Race Director VA-USATF One Hour Race Walk Championship (2009-2013)

    Professionalism

    • Virginia Senior Games Race Walk Judge (2005-2009) (2012-2013)
    • USATF National 50K Race Walk Championship, USATF Western Regional 20K Race Walk Championship and Open 10K Race Walk Judge and Official, (2010-2011), (including the Pan Am 50K Race Walk Trials in 2010).
    • USATF National Senior Games. Cleveland, Ohio, Race Walk Judge, 1,500 meter Race Walks & 5K Race Walks, (2013).
    Barbara Mathewson (C, V, P)


    Barbara (Barb) Mathewson is highly qualified for membership in the Tidewater Striders Hall of Fame. She has been very successful as both a runner and multisport athlete in local, state, national and international competitions. She has achieved numerous awards and records in the overall category as well as in masters and age-group categories during her 30-plus years as a competitive athlete. In addition to her athletic achievements, Barbara has served the Tidewater Striders and running community in her many volunteer roles as well as through her coaching contributions. Barbara Mathewson’s accomplishments and service make her a worthy member of the Tidewater Striders Class of 2014 Hall of Fame.

    Competition

    • World Champion for 70.3 Ironman event for age group 55-59 in 2006
    • Ranked #1 by USA Triathlon for age group in 2004
    • Ranked as All-American by USA Triathlon for six consecutive years (2004-2009)
    • Current road race record holder for three state of Virginia age-group events
      • 60-64 – 10K (46:57) in 2011
      • 60-64 – Half-marathon (1:47:18) in 2012
      • 55-59 – 10 Mile (1:10:32) in 2004
    • Two-time qualifier and competitor for World Championship Ironman in Hawaii
    • Thirty-one 1st place Overall Female finishes in race distances from 5K to marathon over the course of thirty years
    • Tidewater Strider Outstanding Performance Award (2011)
    • Connecticut The Athletes Congress Master Runner of the Year from 1989 to 1991

    Volunteerism

    • Multiple Tidewater Strider Community Volunteer Awards, including Gold Award in 2008 and three Silver Awards.

    Professionalism

    • Coached High School Cross Country and Track for 19 years in Connecticut, Virginia, and North Carolina (1984-2002), including several State Championship teams and athletes in Connecticut.
    Kendall Tata (C, V, P)


    Kendall Tata, a longtime member and volunteer for the Tidewater Striders, is one of Hampton Roads most successful runners and coaches. Kendall’s running career began in high school, where she became the first female high school runner to break the 5-minute barrier in the mile. She competed for the University of Virginia where she was a member of two national championship teams. During this time frame Kendall was a member of the Striders and also competed in and placed first overall in numerous local and regional road races. Her accomplishments merited her listing several times in History of the Tidewater Striders 1972-2012 as one of the club’s elite female runners. She was ranked first as one of the top 10 female distance runners by the Virginian Pilot. Kendall also was a very successful high school coach for track and cross country. Her teams won numerous district and regional championships and over the years she was consistently honored as the Coach of the Year by the Virginia Beach Coaches Association. In 1999 she earned the same award from the Virginia Beach Sport Club. Kendall served on the Board of Directors of the Striders. She organized and for 13 years directed the Jennifer Braun 5K to benefit a young runner battling cancer. Her numerous accomplishments in competition, volunteerism, and professionalism merit membership in the Tidewater Striders Hall of Fame.

    Competition

    • Won Elizabeth River Run 10k in 1978
    • 1st Virginia State Champion female in Cross Country 1979 and guided Kempsville HS to a Virginia State Championship title.
    • 1st Virginia HS female runner to break 11 minutes for 2 miles and 5 minutes for the mile.
    • Kendall’s mile PR is 4:47

    Volunteerism

    • Race director for the Jennifer Braun 5k- 13 years
    • Elected to and served on the Tidewater Striders Board of Directors- 2003 to 2006

    Professionalism

    • Served as Track and Cross Country Coach for Kempsville High School from 1990 to 2009
    • Coached over 15 individual district champions, 10 individual regional champions and one individual state champion.
    • Virginia Beach Sports Club Female Coach of the Year- 1999, 2005, 2006
    • Recently had the Kempsville High School track named in her honor
  • Class of 2013 Tidewaters Striders Hall of Fame
    Lanny Doan (C, P)


    Roland Doan III, known to all of us as Lanny, has been a member of the Striders for approximately 20 years. Competitively, he has been one of the top runners in the region both in open and master’s competition. Lanny also represented the Striders in two national championship cross country races.

    Relative to professionalism, Lanny is one of the longest-term coaches in the region, having coached track and field and cross country in Virginia Beach for 30 years. During the course of his career he has produced more than 50 state champions, a two-time national champion, and won the state of Virginia championship in track and field in 2006. He has earned several coach-of-the-year honors. Here are some specifics.

    Competition

    • Former master 1500 state record holder; Ran a 4:18 (1996)
    • Running Journal grand prix master winner in the Journal race series throughout the southeast United States (1999)
      • Races throughout the southeast United States included the Vulcan 10K, Reedy Run 10K, Cotton Row 10K, and Charlotte Observer 10K.
      • Placed in the top 4 in most races and won the Charlotte 10K.
    • Overall winner of numerous local races, including: Beach Ford All-American 5K, Strawberry Festival 5K, Boardwalk 5K, Neptune Festival 8K, East Coast Surfing Championship 5K, and Yorktown Victory Run
    • Team member for Tidewater Striders at two national championships.
      • Raleigh, NC. 10K cross country open division
      • Holmdale ,NJ 5K cross country; placed 10th overall, team placed 3rd (1999)

    Professionalism

    • Coached the State Championship team in track at Bayside High School (2006)
    • Produced 52 all-state athletes during his coaching career
    • Coached two-time national champion, Charles Clark, who won the 200 meters in both indoor and outdoor competition (2006)
    • Coaching awards
      • Virginia Beach Coaching Association Coach of the Year (2006)
      • MileStat Coach of the Year (2006)
      • Virginia Beach Sports Club Coach of the Year (2006)
    Lew Faxon (C)


    Lew Faxon was an outstanding master’s runner at the local, regional, national, and international levels of competition and represented the Tidewater Striders in many of these events. During a ten-year stretch in U.S. national championships, he won at least one national title per year and in one of those years, was a national champion in track, indoor track, and cross-country.

    Overall, he had 11 firsts, seven seconds and seven thirds in indoor and outdoor track, cross country and road races. Lew also competed in numerous local races, usually winning the master’s division and often winning or placing in the top three in the open competition. Here are some of his most notable competitive achievements.

    Competition

    • Placed 5th in the Men’s National AAU Masters Cross Country Championship in Belmont, California with a time of 34:50 for the 10K race (1979)
    • Placed 2nd in the Steeplechase and 3rd in the 5000 meters at the Pan American Masters Games in Puerto Rico (1980)
    • Was the first place master’s finisher in the 3K steeplechase at both the U. S. Masters Track and Field Championship in Los Angeles and at the Canadian Masters Track and Field Championships, as well as first in the 5K at the U. S. Masters Track and Field Championship (1981)
    • Ranked in the top 10 men nationally in the 40-44 age group in the 10K and held the national track record for 2 miles with a 9:34 in the same age group (1982)
    • Placed 2nd in the Steeplechase and 3rd in Cross Country at the World Masters Championships in Puerto Rico (1983)
    • Won the 3K steeplechase in his age group at the World Track and Field Championships in Rome, with a 9:53:29 (1985)
    • Was nationally ranked in multiple race distances ranging from the 5K through the 50K (1985)

    Volunteerism and Professionalism
    Being from the Peninsula, Lew was not very active in the politics of the Tidewater Striders. However, he was active in the Peninsula Track Club, serving as its president in 1977 and 1978. Lew also had an active coaching career at various high schools and colleges in New York, California, and Virginia from 1966 to 1995, including Hampton University.

    Evie Foster (V, P)


    Evie Foster became involved as a volunteer with the Tidewater Striders when her children, Aspen and Kyle, participated in the New Energy youth program. Her service as the New Energy team coordinator for nearly a decade helped sustain the team through coaching changes. During this time frame Evie also served as Race Director for numerous USATF and AAU state and regional meets, bringing recognition to the Tidewater area.

    In addition to these volunteer efforts, Evie spent a majority of her weekends helping with every aspect of the finish line, including timing and chip removal. You probably saw her at last week’s race. Her nominators, Dan Edwards and Ron Jones, note Evie has dedicated more time and talent to the Tidewater Striders consistently over the past decade and a half than most all other club volunteers. Here are some of Evie’s key accomplishments.

    Volunteerism

    • Tidewater Striders Presidential Award (2011; 1999)
    • Tidewater Striders Volunteer of the Year Award (2010)
    • Tidewater Striders Club and Community Service Volunteer of the Year (2004)
    • New Energy Team Coordinator (1997-2004)

    Professionalism

    • Race Director Virginia Association USAT&F and AAU XC Junior Olympic Youth Championship (1998-2008)
    • Race Director USATF Region 3 Junior Olympic Youth XC (1998)
    • Virginia AAU Track and Field Meet Coordinator (1998-2008)
    • Virginia Association Youth USATF Vice President (1999-2001)
    • Virginia Beach High School Cross Country and Track Finish Timer (1997-2012)
    Betty Virok (C, V, P)


    Betty Virok has been a member of the Tidewater Striders for more than 25 years, and during that time frame was not only one of the leading female competitive triathletes in the area, but also served leadership roles in both the Striders and the development of multisport competition. Her nominator, Monica Reilly, noted that Betty is very much responsible for the growth of multisport events in the local Tidewater area. Betty has been successful in all three areas considered for election into the Tidewater Striders Hall of Fame – competition, volunteerism, and professionalism. Here are some of her accomplishments.

    Competition

    • First Place Women 25-29, Bud Light Triathlon Series, Norfolk, VA (1989)
    • First Place Open Female, Outer Banks Triathlon, Manteo, NC (1989)
    • First Place Open Female, Sandman Triathlon, Va. Beach, VA (1989)

    Volunteerism

    • Tidewater Striders Volunteer of the Year (1992)
    • RRCA 2000 hours award recipient (1997)
    • Tidewater Striders President for two years (1995-1996)
    • Race Director, Tidewater Striders Distance Series (1997-2001)

    Professionalism

    • Race Director, Breezy Point Triathlon (1992-2011)
    • Race Director, Sandman Triathlon (1993-1994, 1996-2000, 2004-2011)
    • Race Director, Anthem Bay Bridge Marathon (2003)
  • Class of 2012 Tidewaters Striders Hall of Fame
    Jerry and Amy Frostick (P)

    • Directed four of the largest and most popular races in the Hampton Roads area, attracting a total of approximately 45,000 participants annually
    • Received multiple honors from Runner’s Worldmagazine, including:
      • Shamrock Marathon Weekend Runner-up Most Family-Friendly Marathon (2010)
      • Best “Swag”” or amenities for a race (2009)
      • First recognized “Green Event”” in Virginia and member of Runner’s World Green Team (2007)
    • Received honors from Running USA
      • Operation Smile Final Mile awarded Youth Running Event of the Year
    • Generated an economic impact of approximately 8.5 million dollars from the Shamrock Sportsfest alone in 2011
    • Have raised approximately $2.5 million for various charities since 2003
    • Actively promoted fitness among elementary school age children. Over 3,600 children participate in Shamrock Sportsfest races
    • Fostered local development of the triathlon by presenting training clinics and organizing trips to national competition
    Pete Gibson (C, V)

    • USA Track and Field National 10K, 1st place in the 55-59 age group in 2011
    • USA Track and Field National 8K, 2nd place in the 55-59 age group in 2011
    • North Carolina state record in the mile for age group 55-59 (5:06)
    • North Carolina state record in the 5K for age group 55-59 (17:00)
    • North Carolina state record in the half-marathon age group 55-59 (1:19:29)
    • Virginia State record holder in the 20K, age 50-54 (1:16:20)
    • RRCA Eastern Region Open Champion in both the 8K and 10K in 1983 and 1996
    • Current record holder for Virginia Beach Rock and Roll 1/2 Marathon in two age groups (50-54 and 55-59)
    • Won the Tidewater Striders Outstanding Performance award in 2002 and again in 2009
    • Served on the Striders Board of Directors from 1994 to 1997
    Jeanne Kruger-Williams (C,V)

    • Virginia State record in the marathon for age group 50-54 (3:15:39)
    • Virginia State record in the half marathon for age group 60-64 (1:48:44)
    • Previous Virginia state record in the marathon for age 45-49 (3:06:19)
    • First-place age group in multiple marathons, including major marathons such as New York City, age group 50-59, and Chicago, age group 50-54. Second place finish in 50-59 year age group at Boston
    • Completed 45 marathons, placing 1st overall in one, 2nd overall in two, 1st masters in two, and 1st age group in thirteen
    • Placed third in age group 40-44 in the Veterans World Championship marathon in Eugene, Oregon
    • Competed in 18 certified half-marathons in the past 10 years, with a 1st place age-group finish in 11, 2nd place age-group finish in four, and 3rd place age-group finish in two
    • Personal best in the marathon is 3:06:19 at age 48, and in the half-marathon, 1:29 at age 38
    • Was an overall female winner of the Striders Grand Prix series, as well as a multiple winner in the Masters and Age-Group categories
    • Served as member of the Tidewater Striders Board of Directors from 1986 to 1991, including a term as vice-president, and also served as director for several local races
    Monica Reilly (C, V)

    • Top 3 female finisher in the Colonial Half Marathon for 3 consecutive years
    • Top 3 female finisher winner in the Elizabeth River Run for 3 consecutive years
    • Overall female winner in the Smithfield 10 mile run
    • Placed 6th overall female in the Annapolis 10-mile run
    • Personal best for the 5K was 17:19
    • Personal best for the 8K was 29:27
    • Personal best for the 10K was 34:35
    • Personal best for the 10 mile was 59:59
    • Race director for the Independence Middle School 5K for more than 20 years
    • Race director, award winner, committee member & volunteer for several local multisport events, including Boys and Girls Clubs’ Duathlon, Breezy Point Triathlon and Sandman Triathlon.
    Mike Robinson (V, P)

    • Recipient of the RRCA National Volunteer Award for 2,000 hours of volunteer service (1999)
    • Tidewater Strider Volunteer of the Year (1994)
    • Race director for the Tidewater Striders
      • Distance Series for 8 years (1988-1996)
      • Striders Summer Series for 10 years (1992-2002)
    • Official course certification marshal for all Tidewater Striders races for 20 years (1983-2002)
    • Sponsored numerous educational programs on various facets of running, such as Training for Your First Marathon, Training for Your First Triathlon, How to Avoid Common Running Injuries, Heart Rate Training, Good Form Running and Runners Core Strength
    • Sponsored a weekly Running Injury Clinic, in which several local pediatric physicians would provide complimentary analyses for local runners. The clinic operated for nearly 15 years
    • Partnered with various programs promoting running among youth, such as Tidewater Striders New Energy and Girls on the Run
    • Provided professional service to the Tidewater Striders for more than 20 years
      • Hosted collation of the Rundown
      • Hosted packet pickup for numerous races
      • Maintained a Tidewater Striders hotline
      • Provided gift certificates totaling over $75,000
  • Inaugural Class (2011) Tidewaters Striders Hall of Fame

    Jerry Bocrie (V)

    • The Founder of the Tidewater Striders (1972)
    • First president of the Tidewater Striders (1972-1975)
    • Founder of the Shamrock Marathon (1973)
    • Race Director for the Shamrock Marathon and Shamrock Sportsfest for 30 consecutive years
    • Recognized by Runner’s World Magazine as the longest continuous race director in America (2002)
    • Founder of the Elizabeth River Run (1979)
    • Founder of the Tidewater Striders Distance Series to prepare for the Shamrock Marathon
    • Founder of many road races throughout the cities of Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach over the course of his early years in service to and promotion of the Tidewater Striders
    • Completed numerous marathons , ultra marathons, and triathlons, including the following: New York City; Boston; JFK 50-miler; and the Inaugural Nags Head Triathlon, which he won
    • The Jerry Bocrie Founders Award, the Tidewater Striders most prestigious, is named in his honor
    Rick & Sharon Brown (V)



    • Tidewater Strider Volunteer of the Year (1989 — Rick)
    • Tidewater Strider Volunteer of the Year (1993 — Sharon)
    • RRCA of Virginia Volunteer of the Year (1994 — Rick)
    • Co-chair of the race committee for seven years (Rick)
    • Tidewater Strider recognition for volunteer efforts each year for over 20 years (Rick and Sharon)
    • Contributions to Tidewater Striders race events over the past 25 years (Rick and Sharon)
      • Served as the timing team for virtually every Tidewater Strider club and co-sponsored race, approximately 50 races per year
      • Coordinated the evolution of the Striders race timing systems over the years, including the posting of computer race results on site and use of the current chip system
      • Coordinated assignments of volunteers at the finish line
    Randy Cook (C, V)

    • Charter Member of the Tidewater Striders
    • Member state record 24 Hour Relay team (1977)
    • Tidewater Striders vice president (1981) and president (1982)
    • Previous state record holder for Submaster (30-39) 10K on the track – 33:08 1982
    • National Champion in the 20K for 35-39 age group (1984)
    • Virginia State Champion as a submaster and master
      • Cross country (4 times)
      • 5K on the track (4 times)
      • 10K on the track (6 times)
    • 6th place overall finisher in the Shamrock marathon (1983)
    • 9th place overall finisher in the Shamrock marathon (1981)
    • 4th place overall in the United States for the 1 hour run on the track (1978)
    • 18th place National College Marathon Championships (1974)
    • 10th place National College Marathon Championships (1973) – the top 8 are All-Americans
    • Named “Most Outstanding Submaster” (30-39 age group) at the Virginia State Masters Track Championships (1982)
    • Personal bests: 5K, 15:40; 10K, 32:11; 10 miles, 52:55; 1/2 marathon, 1:11:32; marathon, 2:29:14
    • Tidewater Striders Grand Prix award winner for multiple years
    Anthony “Cokey” Daman (C)

    • Running Times Magazine’s #1 Age Group Runner of the Year
      • 70-74 (1990)
      • 75-79 (1995)
      • 80-84 (2000)
    • Current holder of six Virginia State Age Group Running Records
      • 70-74 — Half-Marathon
      • 75-79 — 5K & 8K
      • 80-84 — 10K & Marathon
      • 85-89 — 8K
    • Previous record holder of the USATF M70-74 Masters Race Walking records in the 5K, 10K, 20K, 25K, 30K, and 40K. Current USATF single age best time for 20K at age 70 and 76
    • Current holder of USATF M70-74 Race Walking record for the 50K
    • Won the National Senior Games 1500-meter Race Walks for men age 70-74 in 1989 and 1991
    • Won the National Senior Games 5K Race Walk for men age 70-74 in 1989
    • Won the World Veterans Athletics Championships (now called World Masters Athletics Championships) 5K and 20K Race Walks for men age 70-74 in 1989
    • Initial recipient of the Jerry Bocrie Founder’s Award of the Tidewater Striders, the club’s most prestigious award
    Dan Edwards (V, P)

    • Received the prestigious Rod Steele National RRCA Club Volunteer of the Year (1993)
    • RRCA At-large Board Member & Secretary 2009 – Present
    • RRCA Parliamentarian 2001, 2003-2004, 2007-2009
    • Treasurer of Tidewater Striders for the past 16 years
    • Tidewater Strider Volunteer of Year (1993) and nine subsequent awards
    • Tidewater Striders race director:
      • Turkey Trot Scholarship Fund Race (2001-Present)
      • Tidewater Strider Distance Series (2005-Present)
      • Lead efforts to purchase chip timing system to accommodate larger club races
      • Number of races and runners doubled in past six years
    • Tidewater Striders Committee chair
      • Youth Committee (1991 – Present)
      • Scholarship Committee (1998 ul Present)
    • USATF Virginia Association Long Distance Running Chair (2002-2004)
    • Sports Manager for the AAU Junior Olympic Games including Track & Field hosting over 20,000 athletes (2001)
    • Coordinator for Tidewater Striders hosting 2006 AAU National Cross Country Meet in Virginia Beach
    Charlie George (V)

    • Second president of the Tidewater Striders (1975)
    • RRCA National Volunteer Award (1995)
    • First Executive Director of the Tidewater Striders (1984-1988)
    • Tidewater Strider Volunteer of the Decade for the 1980s
    • Club designated the Charlie George Volunteer of the Year award in his honor
    • Director of numerous club races during the 1970s and 1980s
    • Editor of club newsletter – Multiple years
    • Certified the first race courses in the Tidewater area
    • First organizer of youth teams, the predecessor to the current New Energy Youth Teams
      • Coordinated trips to Richmond, Raleigh, Philadelphia, Lynchburg
    • Edited the first Tidewater Striders Race Manual
    • Promoted use of and secured the first computer to be used by the Striders (1980)
    Dave McDonald (C, V)

    • Three Time Participant in the US Olympic Marathon Trials (1980, 1984, 1988)
      • Finished 34th in 1980 with time of 2:18.12
    • Three Time Elizabeth River 10K Winner
    • Twelfth place in the Boston Marathon with a time of 2:17 (1984)
    • Won Shamrock Marathon (two times) and Shamrock 8K
    • Won Charlotte Observer Marathon and Glass City Marathon, among dozens of other races
    • Member of the Virginia Ekiden Team, which consisted of the top 5 runners in Virginia, to competed in the national Ekiden competition in New York City (1988; 1989)
    • President of the Tidewater Striders for 4 terms and Board Member more than 10 years
    • Race Director for various local races, including the Turkey Trot, Charlie Falk Mile, Dominion Tower Climb, and the Commodore Classic CC 5K
    Bee McLeod (C, V)

    • Participant in the 1988 United States Olympic Marathon trials with qualifying time of 2:47
    • Ranked top female age group (40 – 44) in the United States and represented the country in the World Duathlon Championship in France (2000)
    • Overall female winner of the Shamrock Marathon (2 times), the Richmond Marathon (3 times), and the Virginia Ten Miler (1995)
    • President of the Road Runners Clubs of America for four years
    • Board member of the RRCA and the American Association of Running Clubs
    • President of the Tidewater Striders for four terms and vice president for two terms
    • During tenure as president, the club received recognition in Runner’s World as the “the best and most active running club in the country”
    • Recipient of the Jerry Bocrie Founder’s Award (2006)
    • Active member of the Tidewater Striders for nearly three decades and currently involved in supporting numerous club events, as well as other local running events
    Raymond A. Ochs (C, V)

    • Tidewater Strider President for three terms (1997-1999)
    • Researched and wrote the 25-year History of the Tidewater Striders (1972-1997)
    • RRCA State Race Director of the Year Award (1997)
    • RRCA 2000 hour Volunteer Award (1999)
    • Organized, created and directed the one time only 7.44 Monitor Merrimac Bridge Run
    • Instrumental in the preliminary stages of bidding to attract the RRCA Annual National Convention to Norfolk
    • Ranked 4th in the Tidewater area by Sport Spots Magazine Road Race Rankings (1990)
    • Winner of more than 60 road races
    • Personal Bests include 14:59 5K; 31:11 10K; and 1:11 half-marathon
    • Placed in the top 50 out of 50,000 runners in the Peachtree Road Race
    Mel Williams (C, V)

    • Former national age-group (45-49) record holder in the 50K; (3:10 in 1984)
    • Current state of Virginia age-group record holder
      • Half marathon
        • Age group 55-59 (1:17) and age group 65-69 (1:33)
      • Marathon
        • Age group 50-54 (2:37) and 60-64 (2:54)
    • Three time age-group award winner in the Boston Marathon:
      • 50-59 (1989); 60-69 (1998; 1999)
    • USATF National age-group champion (65-69) in the marathon; Twin Cities Marathon (2004)
    • Completed all 35 Marine Corps Marathons
      • Multiple-year (19) age group award winner
    • Elected into the Marine Corps Marathon Hall of Fame (2001)
    • First place age-group in Montreal Ironman Triathlon (1999)
    • Charter member of the Tidewater Striders (1972) and Board member for 25 years
      • Past Vice-President (1978) and President (1979)