NoMa Run Club Newsletter: April Edition

Hi runners! Welcome to our second edition of the NoMa Run Club (NRC) newsletter. 

Spring has officially sprung! In March, we anxiously awaited the National Park Service to announce the cherry blossom peak bloom date, the madness of the NCAA basketball tournament kicked off, the questions around Kate Middleton’s whereabouts were brought to a close, and the presidential nominees were clinched. 

For many runners, the beginning of Spring marks being able to run in daylight again during evening runs, but also the start of training and racing season. Several runners even lined up for their first race of the season at the Rock ‘n’ Roll 5K / Half Marathon. 

Spring is always a time of renewal and growth. No matter where you may be in your own journey, we hope NoMa Run Club brings you a sense of community needed to Spring forward and accomplish your running/social goals.

NoMa MoMA: Monthly Member Awareness

The poet, the cookie baker, the always smiling and positive human being. Let’s meet Carl Brewer!

Why did you join NoMa Run Club?
I joined NoMa in April of 2022 after seeing a flyer for the club in REI while buying some socks. I had been running with Pacers pre-pandemic on Mondays but the NoMa runs were closer to where I was living at the time and ending at brewery was always a bonus. 

Favorite running route in DC? 
I’d have to say my favorite route in DC is the Anacostia Trail. I lived about half a mile from it and have spent many miles there when I lived in that neighborhood. There were so many ways to make it different each time. Plus running by water just hits different. 

Current running goal?
My current running goal is to run a half or a full in each state. I’m up to 20 states so far and have almost all of the east coast done. If anyone ever wants to travel to a state for a race with me, it’s a fun time!

Tell us about this current running streak of yours. How did that idea come about?
I have run at least one mile every day of 2024 so far. 2023 was the first year I didn’t go over 1,000 miles running since I started taking running seriously in 2013. I dealt with an Achilles injury for a good chunk of last year and so I just wanted to do something challenging and fun this year. It’s also a way to honor my favorite running buddy, my dad, who passed in July. It’s a daily reminder to appreciate how lucky I am to get the privilege to run each day. 

What do you do when you’re not running?
When I’m not running I am producing news for a network of 24 hour news stations covering Congress and the White House. I also dabble in baking cookies as you might know. You’re likely to catch me at a brewery, a concert, or on my bike most weekends. 

Anything else you want to share?
I would just like to thank NoMa Run Club for asking me to do this and being such a friendly and welcoming environment for runners. Run club is really one of the highlights of my week and not just for the pizza. DC can be a hard place to make and maintain friendships, but the camaraderie and support in DC run clubs makes life a bit easier for sure. 

March Events Recap

DC Rock ‘n’ Roll 5K / Half Marathon
We got started the evening prior to the race with a carbo-loaded, hosted by Chef Anthony S. and house host Jake K. After eating delicious pasta and focaccia, some folks put their artistic skills to the test to make cheer signs (people really do run half a marathon just for a banana). The next morning people gathered at the mall for a group photo, and then it was off to the races. As the runners did their loop around the city, the NoMa Run Club cheer team set up at North Capitol and M St. Huge thanks to the NRC Cheer Squad. The cheering was such a huge boost going into the final two miles. Many members hit PR’s and ran their first ever half marathon! 

Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon results:

Many more participated so a huge congrats to all racers. If you’d like your race results to be included in future newsletters, please submit your race results!

REI Every Mile Together Festival
REI hosted a running festival partnering with Hoka and our run club on March 23rd. Brave runners from across the DMV woke up bright and early at 8:30AM, and conquered the pouring rains on their 5K and 7-mile routes. Right after, Hoka DMV provided runners with breakfast treats before REI officially opened the doors for the running festival. Several local trail and run club organizations set up, including NRC, and shared information about their respective work. Several sports apparel and running companies were also set up giving out FREE swag and letting runners try on their equipment. We’re thankful for this opportunity to collaborate with HOKA and REI and spread awareness around the DMV.

Upcoming Running Events in the DMV

NoMa in Bloom – Sunday April 14
Join the NoMa BID, NoMa Run Club, and REI on Sunday, April 14 at 9:00am for a morning of fun, fitness and community at the free, NoMa in Bloom Community 5K. After meeting in Alethia Tanner Park, the NoMa Run Club will lead a community 5K throughout the neighborhood — all paces welcome!
Post-run, meet back in Alethia Tanner Park for a “Yoga for Runners” cool-down session led by our own Molly Hoeg @mollymakesshapes and light refreshments (while supplies last). Sign up to volunteer and help with the 5K here! In case of inclement weather, the rain date for this event is Saturday, April 20th.

Other NRC Racers in April:

• Michael Layug is signed up for the Philadelphia Trail Marathon on the 13th.

• Chris Baitinger, Anthony Singer, Allegra Dawes, Anthony Braun, Jake Kenneally, and Taylor Maggiacomo will be competing in the Ville to Ville Craft Brew Relay on the 13th, a 75-mile relay starting in Asheville, NC and ending in Greensville, NC.

• Kylie Griw is participating in the Philadelphia Broad St 10 miler on the 30th. 

Mind is Everything Beer Release Charity Outcome

DC Area Running Trails Updates

Those who live in this immediate neighborhood may have noticed the opening of the MBT connector to Florida Ave! The passageway, which includes stairs, runnels, and elevator, is open from 6AM to midnight seven days a week.

For those looking years, perhaps decades, ahead, the Federal Railroad Administration released its Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Washington Union Station Expansion Project this month. In it, a preferred alternative could lead to a bicycle and pedestrian ramp along First St connecting Union Station and H St which could later link H St to a greenway to the MBT (p. 233). Think the High Line but then here in this neighborhood!

Weekly NRC Runs Calendar

Newsletter Contributions

Do you have a running related story you would like to share with us? Did you participate in a race and want to send in a race report? Do you want to nominate someone as the member of the month?

Thanks for reading! Don’t forget to stretch 🙂