'Cupid's Couple Miler' Runs Through Rockburn

Dogs, men, women and children kicked up their feet for the "Cupid's Couple Miler" on Saturday morning at in Elkridge. More than 75 people participated in the two-mile race, and many others, including family pets, cheered runners from the sidelines.

Before announcing the results, organizer and professional running coach Phil Lang had one question for participants: "How many people got confused with the 'couple miler' and thought that maybe you needed to be a couple?" he asked.

A few people raised their hands, and almost everyone nodded or giggled.

"I'm sorry about that. I was trying to be creative and use the Valentine's Day theme there, meaning a couple of miles, not a couple of people."

The crowd erupted again, just before Lang moved on to the awards.

First place went to 14-year-old Michael Wegner of Columbia, who ran the two miles in 9 minutes and 49 seconds. Finishing first among the female runners was 16-year-old Tiffany Lang (Coach Lang's daughter) of Columbia, who clocked in at 12 minutes and 22 seconds. For complete results, see the PDF (right).

Sponsoring the event were Bullseye Running (Lang's company), , and they donated shirts and prizes.

"I know the teenage boys probably aren't thrilled with the hearts on the shirts," admitted Lang, but he said the shirts were "neat" and kept with the Valentine's Day theme.

Bullseye Running's last holiday-inspired event was the Rudolph Run at in December. Its next race will be the Fat Tuesday 2-Mile Fun Run at on Tuesday, March 8. For more information, email coachlang@hotmail.com. The race is open to all who wish to participate.