Fort Ward Parkrun #169

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Tiare Bailey Wins Fort Ward ParkRun

By Jerry Dietrich

3/28/26 – Bainbridge Island
This new addition to our 2026 schedule was the Fort Ward ParkRun, recommended by Roger Dean. Roger carefully measured the course for accuracy. Those who know Roger know that you can take his measurements to the bank. I downloaded Roger’s driving directions which took me right to the start parking area. Without his driving directions, I would have been lost for sure. After the race and brunch, I followed Roger leaving the Island. I didn’t want to try and follow his directions in reverse.

The course was scenic, running right along the coastline just a few feet from the beach. The view was impressive and visibility was very good. The sun was shining and there was no wind.

The turnout was very light. I think many stayed away because of the location and the expectation of cold, windy conditions, not to mention the possibility of rain. Not much could be done about the location. It took me an hour and a half to drive there from Gig Harbor, but I was so glad I made the trip.

Of the 17 runners that finished the race, 14 were Silver Striders. The first Female overall was Silver Strider Tiare Bailey, age 67. Her time was 30:27. The first male overall was Silver Strider Doug Salot, age 62. His time was 24:53. Doug edged out Steve Husko, age 72, by 17 seconds for first overall. Our ParkRun king, Ray Arrington, notched his 119th ParkRun.

I liked the course very much. Many years ago when I lived in San Diego we had some races that were set up in a similar fashion. This type course was referred to as a circuit course. On this occasion, we passed the start/finsh line four times before finishing on fifth approach. The six race officials comprised our spectators and they cheered the runners each time we passed by.

The race air temperature started at a frosty 43 degrees climbing to 47 by the time I finished. Most of the course was shaded, so the sun felt good in open areas. The course was mostly flat with one small hill which had to be traversed six times during the race.

The course was well marked at the turnarounds, so there was no room for errors of any kind. The course was not boring at all in my view. Most of the time you were in sight of the next turnaround or the finish area.

In fields this small age grading is nice. It gives runners a sense of how they did against each other. Age grading showed Tiare Bailey as the top performer of those present. The age grading made me feel a little better. I finished dead last in the race, but the age grading moved me up to mid-pack. I did shave about 8 minutes off of my current TOP IO time. My leg strength was good and my 3rd mile was my fastest. I credit my successful effort to the course setup and the company of race official Christine McLean, who job was to bring up the rear..

Following the race a few of us went to the Marketplace Cafe in the picturesque village of Lynwood for our “Camaraderie Brunch”. There were seven of us spending an hour or so, visiting with each other. We sat at a table for eight so we could all participate in the conversation. As I was leaving, I encountered the race officials who were gathered in the outdoor seating area enjoying the sunshine.

The drive home seemed long but I felt good about the experience. It was a far cry from the huge throng of runners at the recent St. Paddy’s Day race.

Age Grading results:
Tiare Bailey, W65-69 – 71.92%
Steve Husko, M70-74 – 71.85%
Doug Salot, M60-64 – 66.78%
Mae Elcock W65-69 – 60.06%
Roy Osterhaus M70-74 – 56.35%
Ray Arrington M75-79 – 53.76%
Robert Macht M70-74 – 49.84%
Roger Dean M84-89 – 49.62%
Jerry Dietrich M90-94 – 47.01%
Kasia Kuka W40-44 – 45.59%
Nick Bailey 75-79 – 41.55%
Patti Husko W70-74 – 40.93%
Bart Kuka M70-74 – 40.36%
Joe Elcock M65-69 – 36.40%
Heather Thomasello W44-49 – 34.49%
Joe Alonzo Not Graded