- Details
- Category: Past Issues
caption:
The runners take off in the NOW fund-raiser race. Courtesy photo.
By Ron P. Coderre
Lake Alexander in Dayville was the venue for the area’s newest road race sponsored by Northeast Opportunities for Wellness (NOW), which was held under ideal weather conditions on Sept. 16. A total of 252 participants registered for the inaugural event, which also featured a special run for kid’s age, 3 through 8.
The course around scenic Lake Alexander was originally publicized as 3.5 miles but was later found to measure closer to 3.75 miles, according to organizers. The Byrnes Agency served as the staging area for the start and finish of the event. Connecticut State Police worked with the race committee and Fast Track Timing in securing the area and ensuring the safety of all participants.
The race, which went off at 9 a.m. sharp, was dominated by 25-year-old William Saunders of Wethersfield, who finished with a winning time of 19:46. His mile pace of 5:39 far outdistanced second-place finisher Jack Houlker, 31, of Danielson who was a full two minutes and 32 seconds behind Saunders. His time was 22:17. Third place went to 42-year-old Brooklyn resident Jon Dipippu, who crossed the finish line in 22:24
Rounding out the top 10 were, 4th, Rory Apperson, Danielson (22:43); 5th, Todd Bryden, Tolland (23:13); 6th, David Deary, Chepachet, (23:25); 7th, David Lowe, Thompson (23:37); 8th, Chris Palko, Putnam (23:52); 9th, Robert Muir III, Danielson (24:29); and 10th, Mark Kelley, Stafford Springs (24:50).
Linda Spooner, 38, of Sturbridge, captured the women’s title with a time of 25:21. Her time was good for 14th place overall and 50 seconds ahead of second place women’s finisher, 16 year old Julia Gilloran of Pomfret Center, posting a time of 26:11. Spooner, who is an avid runner and has appeared in all Putnam races, is fast becoming the woman to beat. The women’s show place went to Chloe Schulze, 30, of Somerville, Mass., in a time of 28:25.
“We have received nothing but positive feedback on how well organized the pre and post race activities were, and everyone loved the course around Alexander’s Lake,” said race committee chairman Jeff Rawson in a news release.
The top fund-raising team was The Real Housewives of Windham County headed by Captain Wendy Cudworth. They raised $700 for the NOW non-profit. NOW is a human service organization dedicated to the promotion of youth wellness. NOW provides education in nutrition and instruction in fitness and sports, regardless of access to financial resources.
Working with Jeff Rawson on the organizing committee was Jessica Rawson, Jeff Rizer, Josh Longiaru, Sue McDowell, Sharon Kozey and Amy Williams.
Race Shorts: Spotted among the Top 50 runners were the following: Jay Long of Gerardi Insurance; the duo of longtime friends Joe Markley and Bill Bartholic of Danielson; the ever-popular Danny Goyette of Putnam Ford; former Eastern Connecticut State University pitcher Bill Guillot; and Dr. Lee Wesler…More than 20 volunteers helped to make the race day events run smoothly…The committee thanked the 25 sponsors for their financial support…Gary O and WINY provided live music throughout the morning…Every child participating in the race received a commemorative medal…The Follow The Fifty, promoting healthy life styles participated in the event.