sports

Photo by flickr user love40mp

From a press release:

Tournament officials today announced a first-class player field  featuring several former champions and runners-up, with the release of the entry list for the 2011 Legg Mason Tennis Classic presented by GEICO, an ATP World Tour 500 event, including ten Top 30 players. The field is led by top-ranked American Mardy Fish, currently No.9 in the world, three-time Legg Mason Tennis Classic Champion Andy Roddick (2001, 2005 and 2007), No. 10 in the world,  Austria’s Jürgen  Melzer, No. 11 – making his first DC appearance – and world No. 12 Viktor Troicki, 2008 runner-up. David Nalbandian, who made a spectacular Legg Mason Tennis Classic debut last year, coming in as a Wild Card and leaving with the trophy, will return to defend his title, while Americans John Isner, 2007 Legg Mason Tennis Classic finalist and, James Blake, 2002 Champion and 2005 runner-up, Marcos Baghdatis, 2010 finalist and Lleyton Hewitt, 2004 Champion are also slated to return.

The annual tournament held at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center (16th and Kennedy Streets, NW) in Rock Creek Park takes place July 30 through August 7, and marks the 18^th straight year that Baltimore-based global asset management firm Legg Mason has been the title sponsor, the longest running tennis sponsorship in North America.

Photo by Flickr User Keith Allison

After winning 11 of 12 games and bringing the Nats to above .500, Manager Jim Riggleman abruptly resigns after a 24 ultimatum to take his option year passes. Just insane.

From MASN News:

General manager Mike Rizzo said that Riggleman was unhappy with the pace of his contract extension negotiations and told him that unless a deal was reached, he would resign after today’s game. The Nats beat the Mariners 1-0 to sweep their series, but Riggleman held fast to his ultimatum and Rizzo accepted his resignation postgame.

This was so much fun to stumble upon. And, holy cow, the cars got pretty high tech too, it’s not clear how the drivers can even see with these low riders:

Photo by PoPville flickr user JosephLeonardo

Happy Father’s Day to all the great pops in PoPville.

And congrats to the all the athletes who participated in Sunday’s Triathlon.

Photo by PoPville flickr user esessler

Photo by PoPville flickr user KJinDC

“Dear PoP,

DC was voted one of the top 10 friendliest cities for Runners. Now that the weather is nice the runners are out in full force! If you’re looking to get into shape this summer or want to find fellow runners there are some awesome local groups to help keep you motivated:

DC Road Runners Club, Georgetown Running Company:

The DC Road Runners Club’s training programs are your opportunity to successfully prepare for the fall distance race of your choice. Discover the motivation and camaraderie that can only be found in a training group while reaching your distance running goals! The Fall Ten-Miler & Half-Marathon Program starts on Saturday, July 9 at Georgetown Running Company, with an optional Jump Start program beginning Saturday, June 11. A full marathon program is also being offered. Click here for more info

Fleet Feet Running Store, Adams Morgan:

FLEET FEET Ladies Night Fun Run! Ladies will begin to gather at FLEET FEET at 6pm on Wednesdays and head out to run at 6:30 on a 3 – 5 miles course we will provide.

Fleet Feet also offers a variety of training programs- Click here for more info

Pacers Logan Circle:

Designed for runners seeking a supportive group atmosphere with scheduled meet ups, access to a cadre of coaches, and who want to have a little fun too, the Pacers Distance Training Program is a great way to get in shape, stay in shape, or make a commitment to a goal event. Click here for More info

Potomac Runners (PR):

PR meets every Tuesday and Thursday night for a 5– 8 mile training run near the US Capitol Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC, beginning at 6:30 PM. PR also offers a variety of training programs- Click here for more info”

Photo by PoPville flickr user Mylar Bono

“Dear PoP,

Do you know of anywhere that will be showing the NFL Draft (preferably with sound) on Thursday night? I tried to do a little bit of online research, but to no avail. Thanks for any help you can give!”

Hmm, I’d guess every sportsbar in town. Lou’s in Columbia Heights, Touchdown on U Street, Ugly Mug on Barracks Row, Maddy’s in Dupont.

Are you guys gonna watch the NFL Draft? If you go out – where will you watch?

From a press release:

Organizers of the first 5K race to be held on the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT) in Northeast DC on Saturday, May 14 announced today that Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC), with funding support from Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic States, will provide free adult registration to the first 50 community members residing in Edgewood, Eckington, Brookland and all Ward 5 neighborhoods. By raising awareness about the trail and promoting its use, the mission of this annual event is to further integrate the Metropolitan Branch Trail into building strong and thriving communities.

DC Road Runners Club, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, is co-convening the race, which will be held on a USATF-Certified course along the the newly paved portion of the MBT, starting at S Street NE and 4thStreet NE and the trail entrance. Early registration fee of $20 ends April 15, and then increases to $25. To register for the MBT 5K Run/Walk as a runner, volunteer or sponsor, go to: www.gometbranch.com.

Free registration will be available to the first 50 adults within Ward 5 on a first-come first-served basis. If runners are able to pay the registration fee, please consider contributing to this community event in order to allow for need-based free registration. Contact Kelly Pack to inquire about free registration: 202.974.5148 or [email protected].