Another successful run
And they’re off! Photo courtesy of Andy Shelter Photography & Video.
To the Editor:
It was another hot and steamy Independence Eve 8K last Wednesday, but this time without thunder and lightning in the distance that we had last year. We had to alter the course due to construction at the College and some of the runners were happy with the flatter two loop alternative in the Borough. Special thanks to all of the neighbors living along the race route who provided relief to the runners with spray hoses, sprinklers, and plenty of water. The runners took note of the community effort and were very appreciative. Proceeds from the 8K will support Lions charities including the Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Chester, Camp Kirby, Beacon Lodge, and the Lions Holiday Food Basket program.
The women’s overall winners were 1.) Grace Forbes (29.44), 2.) Nora Blodgett (32:56), and 3.) Jenna Garrity (36:55). The men’s overall winners were 1.) Brent Frissora (27:42), 2.) Christopher Garrity (28:35), and 3.) MR Deasy (29:20).
The women’s age group winners were Kelly Shaughnessy and Annie Mutz (14-19); Gina Grabey, Megan McKim, and Kyra Aleem (20-29); Eva Frissora, Theresa Gagliardi, and Kathleen McGraw (30-39); Krissy Dilullo, Maria Gallagher, and Liliya Yatsunyk (40-49); Sharon Graham, Lisa Stotts, and Joanne Shallcross (50-59); Mary McCoy (70+).
The men’s age group winners were: Nick Falsone, Alex Melly, and Brendan Deppen (14 to 19); Brian Rackson and Michael Diehl (20-29); Neil Young, Thomas Ammon, and Jason Ayr (30-39); Michael Maier, Charles Miller, and David Foreman (40-49); Scott Pezick, Steve Melly, and Scott Pollins (50-59); Jeffrey Painter, Larry Filtz, and Greg Vitali (60-69); and Byron Mundy and Michael McCollum (70+).
Special thanks to Captain Conlen Booth, Tom Moleski and the EMS team of the Swarthmore Fire and Protective Association, and to Chief Ray Stufflet and the members of Swarthmore Police Department. Thanks also to Borough Manager Jane Billings, Cuzzy Rowles from Public Works, and Charles Neulight of Run the Day, who handled the time and race results, which are now posted on www.runtheday.com. If you did not receive your trophy or medal, please send an email to jdryan17@gmail.com.
Kudos to our sponsors: Greg Milbourne PsyD, D. Patrick Welsh Real Estate, Swarthmore Hardware, Occasionally Yours, the Inn at Swarthmore, Executive Cleaners, the Swarthmore Co-op, Bob Scittina and State Farm, the Pilates Connexion, Harvey Oak Mercantile, Kandy Kids, and Aria for their support.
We had another outstanding volunteer effort from the Borough for marshaling intersections and working water stations. Thanks to the DiBona family, the Graham family, the Lausch family, Libby Elliott, the Rodbart family, Tom Hoch, Dick Fitch, and many others who chipped in. Thanks also to fellow Lion members and their families and friends — the Dickey family, Jeff Bergstrom, Rob Borgstrom, Paul Fischer; the Pirie family and the Dillon family for a great job.
See you at next year’s 8K!
Jim Ryan
Swarthmore Lions Club
