Race Report:

The Summer Sizzler Series returned to Forest Park for race #lucky 13.  Under threatening grey skies and very humid conditions, 19 runners lined up for the 8000 meter race.  The threat of rain did not deter the field, and it was a good thing, as the rain began shortly after the opening bell was rung.

GSH’s Cameron Cook led the field down Main Greeting Road towards the rose gardens with Scott Besser and GSH’s regulars Bill Carroll and Steve O’Neil in hot pursuit.  Despite their best efforts it would be Cameron Cook rounding the grandstands and breaking the tape in 29:42, extending his win streak to three straight.  The win was Cameron’s 3^rd of the season and 8^th of his career.  Following close behind for 2^nd place with a time of 31:10 was Scott Besser, with Steve O’Neill taking the final podium spot in 34:13.  Male age group winners were Cameron in the Youth (0-19) division, Bill Spirer was first Open (20-39) runner in 35:11, EORC’s Pete Campbell’s 38:20 was good for first place in the Master (40-49) division, GSH’s Richard Clark was first Senior (50-59) in 35:49 and Steve O’Neil was first Veteran (60-69).

In the women’s race GSH’s Kiana Eaton took command early and would not relent.  Leading the race wire-to-wire,  Kiana went on to her 2^nd victory of the season, and 2^nd of her career, finishing in 38:33.  Second place honors went to Meredith Marciana (no relation to Rocky) with a time of 41:15 followed by newcomer Alliana Hasiuk in 44:30.  Female age group winners were Kiana in the Youth division, Courtney Llewellyn was first Open female in 48:23 and Meredith was the first Senior finisher.

Volunteers for the evening were Ed Carroll, Brian McCarthy and Bruce Kurtz.   Thanks to all the runners, volunteers and spectators for braving the rain on this muggy evening.  Please join us again next week for race #14, the 5K cross-country race.