Summer Sizzler #8 - 8K
June 2nd, 2010

Carlos Rivera Adds #57, Kate Woytowicz #2

           Carol L’Esperance Sets Age Record

            Harrier stalwart Carlos Rivera won his first Summer Sizzler of the 2010 season with a leisurely 30:20 stroll around the Forest Park 8 kilometer road course.  The win increases his list leading Hall of Fame total to 57 lifetime victories.  Content to let youngsters Rafael Rogue and Luis Reynoso set the early pace, Carlos and master Harrier Brian McCarthy formed a tight knit group through the first mile, with several others in close pursuit.  However, by the Longmeadow side of the Park Carlos had assumed control of the race and cruised to the finish line unchallenged.  Rafael crossed second to win the junior (under 20) division in 32:58, followed by master (over 40)  winner Brian McCarthy in 33:37.  A stream of Greater Springfield Harrier teammates followed including 1^st senior (over 50) Stan Kolpa in 35:53 and 1^st veteran (over 60) Art Roberts in 36:02. 

Kate Woytowicz earned her second consecutive women’s title with a solid 36:35 effort while Catherine Iannello took 2^nd in 39:22.  Harrier Carol L’Esperance followed in 39:39 for 3^rd, again sweeping the masters, seniors and veterans divisions and establishing a new record for 60 year old women on the 8K course, breaking the 40:45 standard set by Central Mass Strider Mary Ryczek four years ago.  Carol now holds five age records on the course while Mary retains an impressive seventeen age records.

A noteworthy fact: the largest age division was the veterans, with 7 participants followed by the seniors, with 6 participants. Only 3 runners were under age 30.