Loudoun Runners Shine at Weekend 5Ks, Marathons
Ashburn’s running community was out in force this past weekend, with local athletes posting impressive times at events across the region and beyond. The mild late-March weather provided perfect conditions for personal bests and community camaraderie.
Several Ashburn residents made their mark at the popular “Run for the Parks” 5K in neighboring Leesburg. Notable finishes included Broad Run High School junior, Maya Sharma, who placed first in her age group with a time of 19:45. Meanwhile, longtime Ashburn Station neighborhood resident, David Chen, celebrated a new personal record, shaving nearly a minute off his previous best. “The support along the W&OD Trail section was fantastic,” Chen remarked. “Seeing neighbors cheer really pushes you through that final mile.”
Further afield, Ashburn’s marathoners were also representing Loudoun County. Mike Robertson of the Ashburn Farm community completed the Coastal Delaware Marathon, qualifying for the Boston Marathon with a time of 3:08:22. “The training on the Belmont Ridge Road hills paid off,” Robertson said, highlighting how local terrain prepares runners for diverse courses.
Closer to home, the weekly “Loudoun One More Mile” running club held its signature Saturday long run from Brambleton Town Center, with over 80 participants logging miles together. The club’s founder noted a significant uptick in new members this spring, a trend she attributes to Ashburn’s growing network of trails and a collective focus on wellness. As the season progresses, local eyes are now on several upcoming hometown events, including the Ashburn Village 10K next month.
