The First Mile

Loredana Nesci Memorial Results

October 25, 2016October 25, 2016 The First Mile

About 100 runners and as many walkers showed up at Meriden’s Hubbard Park on Sunday morning, October 23rd, for the 2nd Loredana Nesci Memorial 5K. Participants enjoyed the beautiful run around the reservoir with foliage peaking and temperatures in the 50’s. They also knew why they were there, to remember Loredana who last year was a victim of domestic homicide. This event was held in her honor, as well as all victims of domestic violence. Chrysallis, a domestic violence services provider, was the beneficiary.

The course was largely uphill for the first half, and then downhill to the finish. In first place was local Meriden runner Derrek Destefano in 17:44, followed by Ismail Orabi from Wallingford and Patrick Rosen from Plantsville. On the women’s side, it was Plantsville’s Gina Levesque finishing first in 23:42, followed by Keyleigh Townsend from Meriden and Mary Bernier from Hamden. About a dozen members of the Nesci family participated. Several media covered the event, including CBS Chanel 3 and NBC Channel 30. An article from the Meriden Record Journal can be found here.

Complete results can be found here

Stamford Stand Up Results

October 23, 2016October 25, 2016 The First Mile

The 3rd Annual Stamford Stand Up For Youth took place on Saturday October 22nd. In spite of

the cold rainy conditions, a spirited group of runners and walkers assembled at the starting line

for the 11:00 race.

After running along the Stamford shore and boardwalk, and through Kosciuszko Park, the first to cross the finish line was Keith Coburn from Waterford. He was followed by Tony Hebon from Bridgeport and Alexander Lopez from Stamford.

The top three women were Lynette Martinez from Stamford, Aleasha Coburn from Waterford, and Kathryn Dana from Norwalk. After the last walker crossed the finish line, everyone went to Pinot’s Palette for awards, post-race food, and to rehash the race.

For complete results click here

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Strides for Scholars Results

October 16, 2016October 17, 2016 The First Mile

Bigelow Hollow State Park in Union is a beautiful place to visit in the Fall when the leaves are turning. Its even nicer when you are there to run a 5K trail race. 100+ runners and walkers did just that on Sunday, October 16 th , for the 3 rd annual Strides For Scholars. This event, the only timed race in the Town of Union, is held to benefit the Union School Scholarship Foundation.

The first runner to emerge from the woods and cross the finish line was Brett Stoeffler from Tolland in 18:36. He was followed by Ken Clark from Somers and James Pierce from Woodstock. Natalia Carralho from Naugatuck was the first female finisher in 23:38, followed by Elizabeth Wright from Newington and Salena Chatman from Middletown. The Liebler family from Southington was well represented as 8-year-old Jacqueline and 10-year- old Billy won their age groups, and 41-year-old dad William finished 2nd in his. All age group award winners received “Diplomas”.

Get 2016 race results here

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Hartland Harvest Run Results

October 15, 2016October 15, 2016 The First Mile

There is a reason that October is the most popular month for road races. Not only are the temperatures in the perfect range for running, but the foliage is spectacular. Such was the case on Saturday Oct 15 in East Hartland for the third running of the Hartland Harvest Run. Over 100 runners came out to enjoy the scenic country course.

Once again hosted by the Bethany Lutheran Bretheran Church, this year’s event benefitted Neighbors Helping Neighbors, a fund that assists Hartland families in need. Several area businesses joined the cause through sponsorship, including Windsor Federal Savings Bank, Anytime Fitness, McKenna Orthodontics, Northwest Community Bank, and Back in Touch Fitness, who also offered free post-race massages to the runners. Lox Stock and Bagels donated bagels.

Jonathon Cahill from Canton was first to cross the finish line in 17:57, followed by Jake Koteen of Granby and Jeffery Schumaker from Colebrook. The first woman to finish was Christina Bay-Smith from Windsor in 23:29, followed by Anna Starodaj from New Britain and Cheyanne Schumaker from Colebrook. Jeffery and Cheyanne were two of six members of the Schumaker family (including Tyler, Jesse, Josh, and Aiden) ranging in age from 9 to 17 who finished in the top 25.

All in all, the race was a success and plans are underway for next year’s edition, to be held on October 14, 2017.

Get 2016 race results here

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Wag, Walk & Run Results

October 11, 2016October 11, 2016 The First Mile

Congratulations!!!

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Get 2016 race photos here

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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.