A Big 30K Crowd under the Oaks

Conditions were good as more than 200 runners took off down Old Centerville Road from The Retreat at Bradley’s; 77 finished the 30K and 126 the 15K. A rainy Friday brought cool temperatures and soft clay on Old Centerville Road Saturday morning. Of course the giant hills were still there, but they seem to be more a badge of honor for runners than a deterrent to participation.

Vince Molosky almost became the first to crack the two hour barrier on this course, but had to settle for a new course record with a time of 2:00:29. Mike Martinez was second and first master in a time of 2:06:28. The fact that no one has broken the 2 hour mark is a testament to just how tough this course is and, maybe, how old we are all getting. Sheryl Rosen defended her title in 2:17:24 as she struggled with a stiff back. Jane Johnson grabbed the masters title and second place by finishing in 2:19:16.

The state champion Leon Lion’s cross country team uses Old Centerville Road to train. It showed in the 15K on Saturday as Matt Mizereck, the state 3A cross country champ, won the 15K in 54:23. Teammate Will Stanford took second in 55:44. Youth ruled the day in the 15K as the top master, Mike Sims, finished 12 overall in 1:04:21. Six runners broke an hour and five of the top seven were under the age of 20. Lisa Johnson took the women’s title with a time of 1:03:13. Kara Newell took second in 1:07:49. The top master was Connie Mayo who finished in 1:17:45.

Jerry and Jackie McDaniel continue to build this race and seem committed to it for the long run – they even bought property on Old Centerville near the race start. This year’s shirts were unique as they featured Bradley’s country store and a ghostly image of Mr. Bradley looking over it all. A great shirt and a well done race made for a perfect Saturday morning.