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HARTLAND HARVEST RUN presented by Westfield Bank 2018 Results

October 29, 2018October 29, 2018 The First Mile

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 5^th 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

October 1, 2018October 1, 2018 The First Mile

The inaugural Run in the Woods trail run took place on Sunday, September 30^th 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

September 16, 2018September 16, 2018 The First Mile

The 6^th Annual Ann Miller ovarian Cancer 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk took place on Saturday, September 16^th, 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

August 5, 2018August 5, 2018 The First Mile

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 4^th and 5^th 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 4^th 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 3^rd, 2019. Registration is now open and hopefully it will be a rain-free day.

Seeds of Hope 5K/10K 2018 Results

May 1, 2018May 8, 2018 The First Mile

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

April 23, 2018May 7, 2018 The First Mile

On Sunday, April 22^nd, runners and walkers were looking forward to finally getting out on a spring-like day as they arrived in Bethlehem for the 2^nd 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.

Benny’s Run Race Results

October 4, 2016October 4, 2016 The First Mile

When Holly Nieweem tragically lost her brother Benny to suicide, she decided to do something about it, and created the Benny Fund and Benny’s Run in his memory. That was in 2013 and since then this annual event has raised thousands of dollars supporting suicide prevention and scholarships in his name.

This past Saturday, Oct 1, saw the fourth running of this 5K Run and Walk. And while there was a steady rain coming down when registration opened at 8:00, it didn’t deter 200+ runners and walkers from showing up and participating. And when the starting gun went off at 10:00, the rain had stopped and it turned into a beautiful fall day.

Runners and walkers faced a mostly uphill first mile on this point-to-point course before enjoying two miles of downhill to the finish line at Sears Park. The first male to cross the finish line was Charlie Grillo from West Hartford in 18:55, followed by Julien Minnick in 19:49 and David Hansen in 19:52 who came in from New York City. The first female finisher was Tracy Mantabano in 24:05, followed by Katie Ireland in 26:01 and Gyanna Russell in 26:33. All three are local East Hampton runners.

After the 5K, a Kid’s Fun Run took place. Forty future Olympians made their way around the ¼ course, crossing the finish and earning finisher medals. When all of the running and walking was in the books, everyone convened at the community center for a cookout.

For complete results CLICK HERE

For race pictures CLICK HERE

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My Sisters’ Place 5K

June 12, 2016June 12, 2016 The First Mile

The 3rd Annual My Sister’s Place 5K presented by Hartford Toyota took place on Sunday, June 12th , on the beautiful campus of the University of Hartford. Over 200 runners and walkers came out to support this great organization and their many good works. My Sister’s Place provides aid to women and their children who are victims of domestic violence.

The day’s activities began with a kid’s fun run. After a brief warm up, the kids all turned in a winning race. The 5K Run and 2 Mile Walk followed. First to cross the finish line was Shane Leighton from West Hartford in 18:36, followed by Justin Perugini from Plantesville in 19:06 and Tom Leonard from North Granby in 19:30.

The first female to cross the finish line was Stacey Clark from Berlin in 22:24. Olivia Natale from South Glastonbury in 23:57 and Ella Szczepanski from Farmington were second and third. Team awards were also presented. A total of twelve teams competed. Team Qualidigm won the Most Spirited Award and Hartford Toyota won the Most generous Award. The M Power Kids team won both the Fastest Team and the Biggest Team.

My Sister’s Place wants to thank the many sponsors who made this event possible, particularly the presenting sponsor, Hartford Toyota. And the University of Hartford who generously made their grounds and resources available for this annual event. Plans are already underway for the 2017 race.

For 2016 Race Results click here