New 8K Challenge a perfect race for Labor Day weekend

If the 10K is a little too long for you and the 5K is a little too short, we have just the race.

The new “8K Challenge’’ (officially 4.97 miles but close enough to call it 5) is set to go for Sunday, Sept. 2 at Washington Crossing Historic Park.

It’s a flat, fast course, similar to last week’s ever-popular Revolutionary Run, only this event is held completely off public streets.

The Challenge, which is held in conjunction with the Bucks County Duathlon, incorporates portions of the WCHP, plus a segment of the Delaware Canal Towpath.

This promises some very quick times.

One of the coolest parts of the Challenge is that it is close to home, a short drive from most parts of Bucks County.

And the race is getting a helping hand from the Bucks County Roadrunners, who are assisting with the design of the course and getting the word out.

Having the Challenge and the BCD on Labor Day weekend should add a little extra holiday spirit to the whole occasion, just as the Revolutionary Run does on July 4.

We might add that registration, timing and results are being handled by Lin-Mark Sports, which also provides similar data at the Sesame Place Classic in May. By use of state-of-the-art technology (Chronotrack), runners can be located with precision throughout the competition and results are posted immediately after crossing the finish line.

In its eight years, the BCD has raised more than $100,000 for the Missy Flynn Fund, and additional funding for the WCHP.

Flynn, a former world-class triathlete from Newtown, survived a life-threatening brain aneurysm on Dec. 23, 2005 and continues to live a full life with her partner Brian Wong. Much of money raised goes toward unreimbursed medical expenses.

For more information and to register for the Challenge or the BCD, visit www.buckscountyduathlon.org.

Get ticked-off

Now that we’re well into the warm summer months, does anyone out there who runs, hikes or gardens really have to be reminded that it’s also tick season?

Well, a quick repeat notice about preventing Lyme disease is probably never a bad thing, so here goes:

1. If you are running off-pavement and on trails, in fields or high grass, wear long socks. Also, bug spray or lotion with DEET (chemical) in it can be helpful in prevention.
2. Upon completing your run, check for ticks. Give the arms and legs a good once over. Check your scalp, perhaps using a mirror. A quick jump in the shower won’t hurt either.
3. Beware of the bull’s-eye, as in bull’s-eye rash. This can be the site of a tick entry. If you suspect you might have been infected, see your local physician and get a blood test.
4. If you are working in the yard or garden for long periods of time, try to wear long pants and shirt-sleeves. Yes, it’s hot but at least you will be protected.
5. Read up on the subject. Google it to get as much information as possible. We know people who have had Lyme disease and it’s no picnic.

Lighting it up on the 4^th

There were fast finishes and close finishes to mark the 38^th annual Revolutionary Run.

In the 10K, the men’s race went right down to the wire with 37-year-old Chris Curto of Lambertville defeating Warminster’s Chris Mallard, 27, by just two seconds (36:15 to 36:17).

Warrington’s Tracey Sawyer, 38, not only won the women’s race with about a minute to spare but her time of 38:57 was good for the highest age-graded number (79.30 percent) of the day for both genders.

Hillary Goodman, 55 of Springhouse, took home age-group honors with a 46:03, which was good enough for an age-graded 79.10, just behind Sawyer.

And 52-year-old Matthew Costello of New Hope crossed the line in 39.33, good enough for a masters best rating of 77.2.

Congrats to all.