Heavy rains late in the day wouldn’t stop 16 diehard harriers from running the 5,000 meter XC race tonight. Skies were grey at the start but the rain held off for evening. The runners would have the park to themselves as it was virtually deserted due to the earlier rain storm.

Right from the opening bell it would be Dario Serra leading the field to victory, covering the course in 21:18. The win was Dario’s first career victory, which earns him a spot in the Sizzler Hall of Fame. Second place overall, and first female, belonged to GSH’s Julie Carroll with a time of 23:32. The win was Julie’s 2nd of the season and tenth of her career, moving her into a tie for 14th place all-time with Rogina Modestow. Third place, and first Master (40-49), belonged to Zhenia Zhigalin with a time of 24:22. Male age group winners were Dario in the Open (20-39) bracket, GSH’s Doug Bielefeld was first Senio (50-59) in 25:10, GSH’s Roy Anderson was first Veteran (60-69) in 29:45, and SMAC’s Don Grant completed the course in 38:06 and first place in the 70+ division.

Female age group winners were Julie in the Youth (0-19) division, Melanie Pascal was first Open female in 29:58, SS’s Ginny Patsun was first Master in 28:52 and Annemarie Fitzsimmons from EORC was first Senior with a time of 29:03.

Volunteers for the evening were Ed Carroll, Julie Carroll, Brian McCarthy, Bruce Kurtz and Brian “Ironman” Goddu. We return to the park next Wednesday for Race #5, the 8,000 meter road race.

Thanks to all the runners, volunteers and spectators

by Mike Lescarbeau, Race Director