Masters Prevail in Snowless Snowstorm Classic Finale
For the first time in the 22 year history of the Snowstorm Classics there wasn't any!
Snow that is. Not a single flake fell during any of the races in December, January or February, nor
was there even one stray snowflake on the ground from a previous day's storm. Runners
being an advantageous lot, a total of 19 age records were set during this unprecedented season,
highlighted by Heather Gardiner's women's course records of 32:32 on the 10K course and 17:36 tied record on the 5K course.
Precocious youngsters starred in many of the races but in the season finale it was the wily
masters who dominated. Rich Marion of Athletes East shook off four upstart youngsters
one by one over the 5K course to capture his second race of the season as a master in a quick
16:18. Harrier Tom Bousquet stayed the closest to capture 2nd in 16:29 while Troy
Trailblazer (New York) teenager David Raucci settled for 3rd in 16:47. Tim Brown was 2nd master in
18:32 while Seth Roberts took senior honors in 19:37 over Harrier teammate Art
Roberts' 20:57.
Rapidly improving master Carolyn Webber won her first race of the season with an
impressive 19:43 clocking, narrowly missing an age record by a single second. Mary Misiaszek
placed 2nd for the home club with a pr 21:04 while Candy Goyett raced over the Forest Park
course in 21:40 for 3rd. Annie Atkins' 22:39 earned 2nd among the masters while Sugarloaf
Mountain Athletic Club's Sue Grant again won the senior title in 26:02.
Although they didn't have to brave snow, sleet nor freezing rain, two tenacious runners,
Mike LaPlante and Bruce Kurtz, did complete all thirteen races to earn gift certificates from
series sponsor Fast Feet running store. In fact Bruce, venerable SMACer, has now completed
a record 66 consecutive Snowstorm Classic races over the past six seasons.
And speaking of sponsors, kudos to our other long time sponsors: Jiffy Lube, Millennium
Press, the Springfield Parks and Recreation Department, and our arts sponsors, The Theater
Project in West Springfield and the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. The Harriers thank
you, our races directors Bill Romito and David Livingstone, and everyone else who helped
make this our most successful season ever!
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