The Gold Team - Ellen M (team captain), Tim C, Jim & Anna B, Brian K - battled the Blue Team - Tim S (team captain), Jim R, Jill T - today in a grudge match for the Challenge Trophy at the US Air Force Marathon in Dayton. Despite the Blue Team's impressive times:  both Tim S and Jim R PR'd at 3:19 and 3:26 respectively, the Gold team was awarded a full 37 more points (89 Gold, 52 Blue), allowing them to reclaim the Trophy lost in an extremely close race last February at the GW Marathon Relay.
"It's a bit confusing," said Blue's captain, Smith, "because I kind of thought we would win, based on our faster times and all."
"We're thrilled. Absolutely thrilled!" Exclaimed Gold's captain, Mannion. "The judges were able to account for Anna's down-to-the wire BQ (4:00:59) and Tim C's first BQ and PR after several years' concentrated effort. We just couldn't be happier!"

Immediately following the race, the Blue team retreated to the Waffle House to review the tapes and begin strategizing for the Marine Corps re-match; while the Gold Team celebrated at Bob Evans in Columbus.

Final Times

Gold

• Jim B - 3:21*
• Tim C - 3:33*
• Ellen M - 3:45* (3rd AG)
• Anna B - 4:00:59*
• Brian K - (1/2)1:47

Blue

• Tim S - 3:19*
• Jim R - 3:26* (2nd AG)
• Jill T (1/2) - 1:47

UPDATE

For those who are interested in using pesky facts and numbers in their calculations, as opposed to incorporating such variables (clearly quantifiable, given the scores) as close-calls, years trying, access to on-line posting, and numbers of runners crammed into one hotel room for post-marathon shower, below is another view (although not neccesarily that of this author).

Blue Team - WAVA Adjusted Total = 10:33min

Gold Team - WAVA Adjusted Total = 10:40min