Author: The First Mile

The 3^rd Annual Carver 5K Challenge took place on Saturday, September 16^th on the campus of the New Life Church in Wallingford. The slightly rolling course traversed the wooded church property past fog enshrouded trap rock ridges and through the Meriden YMCA camp before returning to the church.

The first male finisher was Tim Milenkevich from Ansonia in a speedy 16:27. He was followed by John Denker from Meriden and Dayne Stewkesbury from Windsor Locks. The first female finisher was Dana Merise from Norwich in 23:24 who was third overall. She was followed by Suzette Redding from Columbia and Marty Paglialunga from Fairfield.

Get Race Results here

Get Race Photos here

The 4^th Annual My Sister’s Place 5K took place on Sunday, September 10^th in West Hartford. Once again, the University of Hartford hosted this event where runners and walkers enjoyed a flat and fast course on their beautiful campus. And, as in the past, this event had strong sponsorship support from the business community, in particular presenting sponsor Hartford Toyota who has been the lead sponsor since the race was first run in 2014.

The day’s events began with a spirited Kid’s Run. And then, after a moment of silence for the many victims of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, the runners and walkers took off.

The first runner to cross the finish line was Justin Perugini from Plantsville in 18:33. Justin has run this race every year it has been held, and has previously finished 4^th, 3^rd, and 2^nd. This year his goal was to win and he accomplished this by narrowly beating his cousin, Stephan Rodriguez from Kensington, who finished second in 18:44. The overall female finisher was Lauren Theurkauf who came in from New York City to capture the crown in 22:10. Jacqueline Weiss from Glastonbury was second in 22:32.   

In the team competition, the Fastest Team was Team Doosan, whose top three runners; Matt Auger, Sandrine Baun, and Christine Hamilton, finished in 1:10:16. They were followed by Hartford Toyota and Southington Women For Progress. Other team awards were presented to Hartford Toyota for Largest Team, Main Street Movers for Most Playful Team, and Southington Women For Progress for Most Generous Team.

Once again, this race was successful in supporting My Sister’s Place in their important work and plans are now underway for the 2018 event.

Get race results here

Get photos here

 

Save

Save

Save

Save

Advocacy Unlimited held their annual 5K race on August 26 at Walnut Hill Park in New Britain. This race is held in memory of Sara Krolikowski, a tireless advocate for those suffering from mental illness and substance abuse whose accidental death was felt throughout the community she served. A dozen or so of her family joined runners and walkers to support this great event.

 

As in 2016, Mario Vazquez from New Britain was the winner in 16:45, knocking a minute off of last year’s winning time. Also like 2016, Newington’s Michael Vesci was a close second. Jackie Birge from Unionville was the first female finisher and 6^th overall in 22:03. She was followed by Lori Coviello of Terryville in 24:02.

 

A post race party followed with awards, food and live music  provided by Possm. Next year’s event is now being planned.

Complete race results here

Look at race photos here

Save

The fifth running of the Hop River 5K/10K took place on Saturday, August 5^th, 2017, in Andover CT. Registration opened at 7:00 AM just as the skies opened up with torrential rain. However, in spite of the downpour and predictions of thunder, lightning, and even a tornado, runners arrived determined to meet the challenge. And when the gun went off at 9:00, 150 of them, ranging in age from 8 to 84 took to the Hop River Rail Trail to run either the 5K or 10K distance. When the final runner crossed the finish line, the rain had stopped, the sun was trying to break through, and everyone had a smile on their face.

The first 5K finisher was Carter Beaulieu from Vestal, NY in 17:43 and the first female finisher was Cara Riley from Berlin, CT in 22:36. In the 10K, Michael Keenan from South Glastonbury won in 39:25 and the first female to cross the finish line was Andover’s own Mary-Alex Zickefoose in 41:32.

The 169 Society was well represented with over 50 members participating. Among them was Kevin Goyen who wore the traditional tutu for completing his 100^th town, and Tom Millerd who completed town number 155. Again, the Andover Food Pantry was a beneficiary of this race and collected much a much needed donation as well as a truck full of food.

Thanks to race sponsors Yankee Restoration and Remodeling, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, DuBois Automotive, The Andrew Ansaldi Company, and Greenhouse Services, LLC. Thanks also to Andover CERTS for volunteering to manage traffic.

Complete results here

Race Photos here

The 2^nd Annual Seeds of Hope took place on Saturday, April 29^th, in summer like conditions. Hosted by the Congregational Church of East Hampton, this race supports the missions of the church, including the Heifer Project and Strong Missions. Taking place on the beautiful Airline Trail, organizers added a 10K Run this year, along with the 5K Run and 2 Mile Walk.

The first male 5K finisher was East Hampton’s Kenneth Landry in 19:07, and Allison Behnke of Higganum was the first female finisher in 22:04. In the 10K, Art Byram from Glastonbury was the first to cross the finish line in 45:11 and Emily Lauter from Weston the first female in 55:17.

 

Participants were bused from the church to the trail-head, and returned to the church after the races for refreshments and awards. All in all, the organizers were happy with the days events. The number of participants grew substantially from year one, and they hope that this trend continues in the years to come.

Race Results

Race  Photos

Save

The First Annual “Bring on the Heat” 5K took place on Sunday, April 23^rd, on the nicest day for running to date; sunny in the high fifties. Sponsored by the Bethlehem, CT Park and Recreation Department, this race benefited the town Fuel Bank, helping those in need with fuel assistance.

The day started out with a Kid’s Run, with a dozen future Olympians covering the ¼ mile course. Next up was a moving rendition of the National Anthem sung by an 8 year old with a voice like Aretha Franklin’s. Then the main race started, a 5K Run and 5K Walk through the pastoral (if somewhat hilly) countryside of beautiful Bethlehem.

The first person to cross the finish line was local runner Emily Medonis in a time of 22:30. The first male finisher was Ted Crawford, also from Bethlehem. As the overall winners, each received gift certificates for running shoes from Sportmen’s of Litchfield. The second and third place female finishers were Stephanie Therrien from Oakville, CT and 13 year old Stella Oldakowski from Bethlehem. The second and third place male finishers were Tom Brayton and  Bruce Goulart. Robert Waldron, also from Bethlehem, celebrated both his 70^th birthday and coming in first place for the first time in the 70-79 age group.

The awards were followed by a fun raffle. Throughout the day, the action was kept moving by Kareem, a professional comedian and DJ from Blue Boy Comedy. All in all it was a successful first time race and a significant amount was raised for the Fuel Bank in a time of great need.

Complete race results and photos

Save

The fifth annual Cupid Made Me Do It 2 Mile Urban Challenge took place on Saturday, February 11^th, in downtown Willimantic. This year, runners dealt with snow, ice, cold temps and windy conditions; in other words the usual. The course, modified to avoid icy bridges, ran the length of Main St on two loops.

Runners lined up on Riverside Dr at 10:00 and were welcomed to town by the reigning Willimantic Cupid and good will ambassador David Wollmer. He then started the race and they took off  headed west. They included about forty members of the Run 169 Society and about fifteen young runners from the Rectory School in Pomfret.

The first two runners to cross the finish line neck and neck were Paul Baldini from North Haven in 12:30 and Willimantic Fire Chief Marc Scrivener one second behind. Coming in third was David Radcliffe from Meriden in 12:37. The first female finisher was Amanda White from Windsor Locks in 14:34. Amanda also won the raffle for a complimentary Tattoo from race sponsor Thread City Ink. The second place female runner was Kate McHugh from West Hartford followed by Lori Riley from Mansfield.

After the race, runners and spectators went to the Baptist Church for awards, refreshments, and, of course, chocolate. A check for $1400 was presented to charity partner Windham Area Interfaith Ministry. Most then stayed in town for the Romantic Willimantic Chocolate Festival.

Race Result here

Race Photos here

The 4^th Annual Turkey Can Can presented by Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm took place on Saturday, November 19^th, in Sterling, CT. Under summertime conditions, 82 runners experienced a little bit of everything before crossing the finish line. The course started with two laps around a cinder track, followed by a short run down Rte 14 and then 1/10 of a mile on the Moosup Valley Rail Trail. Runners then attacked a mile long hill on town roads, followed by a lengthy downhill and then finished the final 1/10 over grass; something for everyone.

The first to cross the finish line was Turkey Can Can veteran Cindy Ouilette in a speedy 21:15. The second and third place females were Karen Houle and Jocelyn Richards, 7^th and 8^th overall. The first male finisher was William Liebler in 21:57, who was 2^nd overall and one of four members of the Liebler family to run. The 2^nd and 3^rd place men were Craig Beers and Steve Finton.

As usual, the beneficiary was the Project PIN Sterling/Plainfield Food Pantry. At a time when the need has never been greater, in addition to cash, the runners donated a truck full of food. The 2017 event will be held on November 18^th.

See Race Results here

See Race Photos here

Save

The 5^th Annual Devil Made Me Do It 6.66 Mile Road Race took place in Glastonbury on Sunday, October 30th.

Runners assembled at the Smith Middle School and ran throughout the adjacent Addison neighborhood before completing the final 2 miles on the Bell St Multi-Use Trail. The first finisher was Scott Hart in 42:52, followed by Brian Kugal in 44:20 and Johnathon Feldman in 44:23. The first female to cross the finish line was Brooke Lopedota, 7th overall, in 49:47. Brooke was followed by Liz Garrett in 51:38 and Rachel Joyce in 52:23. Many runners elected to take on the Not-So-Devilish 3.33 Miler. The winner of that race was Casey Liebler in 21:39, followed by Peter Armon in 22:12 and Russell Saucierin 28:30. The first female finisher and 3^rd overall was Elizabeth Mashiak in 23:30, followed by Tristin Dadpsis, 4th overall, in 28:20, and Heidi Pope, 6^th overall in 28:58.

All runners received Devil Horns and a “I Beat The Devil” finisher medal. Before the race started, plaques were awarded in three costume categories. Kurt Lang from Glastonbury won “The Most Devilish”. The Pumpkin Smugglers; Alicia and Sebastian Curria and their little pumpkin, won the “Best Group”.  And the 169 Society won “The Most Spirited”. This year’s event benefited the animal rescue organization Kenway’s Cause, whose many volunteers help make the event a success.

For complete results and photos, go to race results and race photos.

And mark October 29th, 2017 for next year’s Devilish fun.

Save

Save

Save