Location: HACC

5K Runners: 26

“To cancel or not to cancel?” - This was the question facing today’s race director for #2 of the Winter Series.  The deluge of rain from Friday’s winter storm turned tranquil Wildwood Park into a mushy swamp.   However, worrying was unnecessary.   In an unparalleled act of quick-thinking, HACC Professor Stacey Pietras quickly  devised and set-up today’s alternate course from the HACC gym.  Stacey then sped into position of course monitor and kept today’s runners on course.  

Not only was the newly-devised course sidewalk-safe and relatively traffic-free,  but also had very little slush to navigate.  Thanks to HARRC President Jim Collins for standing watch in the marshlands of Wildwood Park and directing our hearty crew to the relocated race site.

Thanks also to today’s runners for their flexibility with the alternate 3-mile course.  Speeding in first place was Elizabethtown’s Chuck Wells in 17:28.  Brad Heigel took second in 18:24 while triathlete Mark Ritter came in third in 19:24.   Wendy Shaver came in first for the ladies in 23:51 followed by Sarah Ballard in 25:18.  Of note was the close race between the 11 year-olds as Josh Lebo (24:27) and Luke Schrader (24:31) ran stride-for-stride to the finish.  Congratulations to Tom Pietras and Dennis Hursh on their PRs!

We once again thank today’s group for their generosity with supporting today’s event.

To date, we have a bit over $300 to donate to Cumberland and Perry County Domestic Violence Services. 

There are 13 runners eligible for the random drawing for a pair of Reebok Running  Shoes.  The excitement mounts for our last race on March 6.   Our drawing for the shoes will be held at that event.   We also have more great travel bags to give away and other neat stuff!  Hope to see you all there!

Results:

1.   Chuck Wells - 17:28
2.   Brad Heigel - 18:24
3.   Mark Ritter - 19:24
4.   Paul Barkman - 19:34
5.   Brad Colwell - 19:50
6.   Ted Crawford - 20:40
7.   Jim Collins - 21:01
8.   Tom Beene and Rupert - 22:13
9.   Tom Pietras-  23:31
10. Wendy Shaver - 23:51
11. Josh Lebo - 24:27
12.  Luke Schrader - 24:31
13. Nick Wilson - 24:33
14. Ken Senft - 24:43
15. Steve Whittle - 25:02
16. Dennis Hursh - 25:08
17. Ryan Shipp - 25:18
18. Sarah Ballard - 25:18
19. Rick Showers - 25:25
20. Joe Hummer - 25:33
21. Rick Tolbert - 26:24
22. Ryan Gill - 28:37
23. Jake Romberger - 28:37
24. Dave Lebo - 28:38