When you walk through our lovely neighborhood, chances are you will be greeted by someone walking a dog and someone in the midst of their daily run. Usually both will wave a hand in greeting, although the person walking the dog is more likely to stop and chat, while the runner is pretty intent on moving by and not breaking stride. I'm not a big sports person. I exercise because I have to. If I never perspired again in my life, I'd be really happy. That being said, I find athletes fascinating -- and I find their drive to challenge themselves through physical activity rather awe-inspiring.

I attended the Baltimore Running Festival, sponsored by Under Armour, which drew 17,922 participants for the marathon, half-marathon and 5K races. It was the first such event I have ever attended and I was overwhelmed by the intensity of the experience. The route was lined with cheering fans waving signs, clapping, banging pots and pans, ringing cowbells, and handing out water and gummy bears to what seemed an endless stream of runners pounding the pavement.

I knew two members of our community who ran that day, but out of curiosity, I put out an e-mail on the Mt. Washington Listserv and asked if anyone else in the neighborhood had participated in the event. I was impressed by the responses. Mt. Washington had runners who participated in a variety of races.

Theo Leasca, 12, finished third in the under-15 age group for the 5K race. He was 50th out of 2,393 runners.

David Meyers and his sister, Judi Meyers, ran the adult 5K race.

Scott Thompson and his daughter, Angela Leasca, ran on a marathon relay team that finished in 455th place out of 689 teams. Each ran six to 7.3 miles.

Experienced runners Oliver Laeyendecker, Emily Meyers, Felice Shore, Dr. Craig Snyder and Maria Tildon ran the half-marathon. Erica Schwartz ran it for the first time with the help of fellow Mt. Washingtonian Hope Blumenthal and friend Jennie Gates Beckman of Hampden.

Ja-ni Hirschmann and Jere Morrel ran in the full marathon for the first time.

Congratulations to everyone who participated. You have accomplished an incredible feat and should be immensely proud. The next time any of you run down Brambleton Road and hear a cowbell ringing in encouragement, you'll know it's me.

The 10th Annual Area 1 Halloween Party is Sunday, Oct. 26, from 2 to 4 p.m. Festivities begin at 5528 Rusk Ave., at Ken Oak Road. Scheduled events and activities include arts and crafts, games and prizes, scavenger hunts, fortune tellers, a pinata, a trick-or-treat hay ride, pizza and potluck. Bring a dish to share.

To RSVP and/or to volunteer, please call Elizabeth Grove at 410-664-0304 or Melinda Roberts at 410-601-0364. Costumes for all are required.

David and Amanda Conn hosted a lovely gathering at their home on the evening of Oct. 11. I spent so much time admiring their gorgeous house and garden, I nearly missed talking to Dan and Ayelet Gincel, Amber King, Stephanie and Phil Rhodes, Myles and Julie Norin, Gregg Nass, Eric and Julie Salsbery, Dan and Alish Meisner, Rebecca and Mike Bainum, Becky and Rick Redett, Gerda Ruiter and those linchpins of the social scene, Jill Feinberg and David Fishkin.

Have a safe and happy Halloween and don't forget to vote Nov. 4.

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