Author: The First Mile

HARTLAND HARVEST RUN presented by Westfield Bank 2018 Results

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The weather report for called for heavy rain with wind gusts of up to 50 mph and temps in the high 30s. That was not enough, however, to deter 61 brave souls from coming out to East Hartland to run in the 5th Hartland Harvest Run. And while all runners got soaked to the bone, all crossed the finish line with smiles on their faces, and were rewarded with homemade soup, hot cider, and post-race massages, inside the warm and dry gym at the Bethany Bretheran Lutheran Church.

The first overall finisher was local Hartland runner Ryan Purves in 21:04, followed by Tim O’Shea from Waterbury and Christopher King from Cheshire. The first female finisher was Jeanne LaPierre from North Granby in 24:38, second was Tara Sundie from Winsted and Stephanie Johnson from Hartland.

Thanks to the members of the 169 Society whose support of this race makes it possible to hold it every year. Thanks also to race sponsors Westfield Bank, Simsbury Bank, Lox Stock and Bagel, and New Beginnings Massage. And particularly Bethany Bretheran Lutheran Church for the use of their church to stage this annual event.Complete Race Results can be found HERE and go HERE for Race Photos.

The 2019 race has been scheduled for October 26 and registration is now open.

2018 Run in the Woods Results

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The inaugural Run in the Woods trail run took place on Sunday, September 30th at Treasure Hill Farm in Salem, CT. The course, traversing the farm roads, meadows, and trails, originally was to be a 5K. However, due to the torrential rain the previous week, much of the trail was impassable. So, a last minute reconfiguring brought the distance down to 2.5 miles. Thanks to Courtney Collins, Treasure Hill owner, for letting us use her beautiful farm for this event.

 

 

The overall winner was Dan Fields from Hebron in 15:29 for a 6:12 pace. The overall Female winner was Chantal Fauteau-Fie also from Hebron in 19:35. Following Dan Fields among the men were Matthew Jamieson in second and Tom Starodaj in third. The second female finisher was Lauren Downing and the third was Martha Rycerz.

 

 

 

Thanks to everyone who came out to support this first-time race, and particularly to the members of the 169 Society who came out in force. And thanks also for everyone who contributed to the food drive.

Complete Results HERE.

GO HERE for race photos

 

ANN MILLER OVARIAN CANCER 5K RUN 2018 RESULTS

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The 6th Annual Ann Miller ovarian Cancer 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk took place on Saturday, September 16th, 2018 in Glastonbury, CT. This annual event benefits CT Women of Hope whose work is vital in supporting women and families dealing with ovarian cancer.

 

The entire 5K course took place on the grounds of the Smith Middle school and the Bell St multi-use trail. The 1 Mile Walk left the Middle School property for the adjoining residential neighborhood before returning to the school.

In the 5K, the overall winner was Elizabeth Webber from Springfield, MA in 22:16, one second ahead of her husband Dan Webber.  The second woman was Jessica Lynn Pereply from West Springfield, MA in 22:23 followed by Vanessa Corrao from Glastonbury, CT in 24:21. Andrew Miller from Plainville, CT was the second male finisher in 30:22 and Stephen Miller from Bristol, CT in 34:20 was third.

The run/walk was followed by 5K awards, a great raffle, a presentation of a Memory Wall honoring those who were lost to this disease, and an uplifting Survivor’s picture. Plans are now underway for the 2019 event.

GO HERE for complete results and HERE for race photos.

 

 

 

 

2018 Hop River 5K10K Results

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The 2018 Hop River 5K 10K started off the same way that the 2017 edition did, in pouring rain. The difference is that this year it didn’t let up. This, however, didn’t dampen the spirits of the 140 runners who participated. Both races took place on the Hop River Rail Trail in scenic rural Andover and most runners finished with smiles on their faces.

The first runner to cross the finish line in the 5K was Chris Chisholen from Torrington, CT in 17:33, followed by Nathan Lieske in 17:53 and David Eisiedel in 18:15. The first female finisher was Brook Bonadies from Tolland in 22:24 followed by Jayden Stygar in 25:09 and Amanda Linsley in 26:38.

In the 10K, The winner was Eric Blake, who is the Central CT State University head track and Cross Country Coach. His many past achievements include competing in the 2004 Olympic Marathon trails, and winning the Mt Washington Race three times. His time in the 10K was a blistering 35:24 for a 5:42 pace.. In second place was Joris Spigt from Leuven, Belgium in a speedy 37:03 and third was Brishen Dearborn in 38:32. Sara Cote from West Hartford was the first female finisher in 46:13, followed by Eileen Rice in 46:36. They were the 4th and 5th overall finishers. The third female to cross the finish line was Marianella Chalfant in 49:50.

Thanks to presenting sponsors Stephanie and Michael Einsiedel from Yankee Restoration and Remodeling who always take their sponsoring responsibilities to the next level. In addition to their financial contribution, they also by work registration and one of the water stops, provide food and raffle prizes, and Stephanie ran the 5K finishing as the 4th female overall. Thanks also to the members of the 169 Society who are always great supporters of this event.

Complete results can be found HERE and go HERE for race photos. The 7th Annual Hop river 5K and 10K has been scheduled for August 3rd, 2019. Registration is now open and hopefully it will be a rain-free day.

 

 

Seeds of Hope 5K/10K 2018 Results

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Spring broke just in time for the 2018 Seeds of Hope races. A record number of participants showed up to walk and run on the Airline Trail in East Hampton. Proceeds from the event support the mission projects of the East Hampton Congregational Church.

In the 5K, Piotr Kostyk from Bethel crossed the finish line first in 17:51 for a 5:46 pace. Second was Matthew Kotch from New London and Richard Fernandes from Waterbury. First across the finish line for the women was Allison Carroll from Portland in 26:28. She was followed by Ashley Alfonso from Colchester and Carol Grosso from Portland.

In the 10K, the first finisher was Mario Vazquez from New Britain, who completed the course in 34:41 for a blistering 5:36 pace. Eric Johnson from Manchester and Peter Stoker from Cromwell were second and third. The first female finisher and second overall was Keron Smith from Manchester in 44:17, followed by Sara LeBlanc from East Hampton and 9 year old Nico Brown from Stamford.

A number of people also supported the event by participating in the 2 Mile Walk. After the race, people returned to the church for awards and post-race snacks. Plans are now underway for the 2019 event.

 

 

5K RESULTS

10K RESULTS

PHOTOS

Bring On The Heat 2018 Results

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On Sunday, April 22nd, runners and walkers were looking forward to finally getting out on a spring-like day as they arrived in Bethlehem for the 2nd running of the Bring On The Heat 5K. This race is put on by Bethlehem Parks and Recreation and is in support of the local fuel bank in a time of great need.

 

 

The day started out with the Kids Fun Run as future Olympians made their way around the Bethlehem Green on the ¼ mile course. This was followed by the 5K start as runners and walkers left the green on a scenic and rolling course through the Bethlehem countryside.

First across the finish line was Jason Dufor in 20:24, followed by Peter Armen from Cheshire in 23:11 who was also pushing a baby stroller. Next was Richard Fenandez from Waterbury. The first woman to finish was Charlotte Murphy from Southbury who, at the age of 11, completed the course in 23:29. She was followed by Stephanie Therrien from Oakville and Terry Camputaro from Woodbury.

 

As finishers were coming in, they were entertained

by DJ and Professional Comedian Kareem Blue from

Blue Boy Comedy.

 

Complete results can be found HERE.

Race Photos HERE

 

After the race, folks hung around and enjoyed the day while listening to the music of the Little Town Band. Plans are now underway for the 2019 race.

Santa Made Me Do It -2017 Results

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The fourth annual Santa Made Me Do It took place on Dec 2nd , 2017 in Bethlehem, CT.  The day’s events started with a spirited Kids race, followed by the 5K run and 2 mile walk. Runners took off under clear skies and temperatures in the high twenties; great running weather.

The first three male finishers were Piotr Kostyk in 17:42, Derek Destefano in 18:06, and Zoltan Rigo in 19:27. The top three female finishers were Jennifer Manware in 23:13, Sherry Schwarm in 23:31, and Alicia Bonin in 24:01; All fast times on a challenging course.

After the race, runners and their families stayed for the Christmastown festival and enjoyed great food, crafts, hayrides, and seasonal music.

Get compete results here

Get race photos here

Turkey Can Can Race Results

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The fifth annual Turkey Can Can took place on Saturday, November 18th, with a new course and a new venue. Ekonk Hill Tukey Farm, the presenting sponsor of the race, also hosted it this year on their 275 acre farm in rural Sterling. The cross country course went over farm roads, and through pastures and fields, and even had a dozen cows who came over to check out the runners.

The race is being held in support of Project Pin, the Plainfield/Sterling Food Pantry, and this year’s runners donated piles of much needed food as well as cash.

The first runner to complete the challenging course was high school runner Matthew Speight in 18:38. He was followed by 12 year old Jackson Collins and Paul Baldini. The first female finisher was local runner Cindy Ouelette who was third overall and has competed in each of the previous Turkey Can Cans. She was followed by 15 year old Caitlin Randell and Joslyn Richards.

Complete Race Results here

Race Photos here

Strides for Scholars Race Results

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The 4th Annual Strides For Scholars 5K Trail Run took place on Saturday, November 12th at beautiful Bigelow Hollow State Park in Union, CT. A record number of runners and walkers came out to enjoy the perfect fall day and support the Union School Scholarship Foundation. Among those were over 50 members of the 169 Society and over 20 supporters of the Joe Geissler Memorial Scholarship.

The course began on the main park road before entering the trail at the ¾ mile mark. From there it followed the White Blaze Trail to Breakneck Pond and back for two miles, and then finished back on the park road for ¼ mile.

 

The first runner to complete the 5K was Paul Baldini from Stafford Springs in 21:17. He was followed by Elizabeth Mashiak from Middletown in 21:27, who was second overall and the first female finisher. Both impressive times on a challenging trail course. For complete results:

Race Results

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Benny’s Run Race Results

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The fifth annual Benny’s Run took place on Saturday, October 7th, in East Hampton, CT. Benny’s Run along with the Benny Fund were founded by Holly Nieweem in honor of her brother Benny who tragically took his own life. Benny Nieweem was a much liked and respected local athlete which showed in the number of people who came out to support this annual event. All race proceeds go to help suicide prevention.

Runners and walkers congregated at Sears Park on Lake Pocotopaug where bib pick up and registration took place. They were then bused to the race start at Spellman’s Point Rd. After a few words from Holly, the runners and walkers took off. The course starts with a challenging and hilly first ¾ of a mile, but then is all downhill and fast for the remaining 2+ miles to the finish line.

The first runner to cross the finish line was Matt Billington in a speedy 18:08, followed by Daniel Clesowich from Norwich and Ronald Doskoez from Shirley, NY. The first female finishers were Shantel Nephew and Rachel Vickery, both from East Hampton, and Deana Hutson from Old Saybrook. The race was followed by a spirited kids race and then great food and music.

Next year’s race is being planned for Oct 6th, 2018  

Get complete race results here

Get race photos here