Posted (10/06/2009) -
It was a crazy weekend for RS Racing Systems with "Stomp the Grapes" on Saturday, Stark County XC Championships on Saturday, National 24 Hour Run in Cleveland on Saturday & Sunday, and the Minster Oktoberfest on Sunday in Minster located in Western Ohio. We survived and just now I am attempting to tie up all of the loose ends from the weekend!
First, thanks to all who participated. It was an excellent turnout for a new location for the 4th year of the event. We knew that the start/finish would be congested, but did not expect the seven days of rain that caused more complications with getting to the start & returning to the winery. This is an area (start/finish) that must be addressed before any future event can occur. Not quite sure of how we will do it, but changes must be made in this area. Quail Hollow and the relay exchanges, double loop, etc. appeared to work well & we heard many positive comments on the overall course.
I must also thank all of the volunteers who really make every race work! We had an exceptional group this year with the following folks: Out on the course we had-Brian & Cindy Warzinski, Lisa Gorris, Rick Seplak, Boy Scout Troop #42, Lisa Mathieu, Dan Reusser, Rick & Donna Wissmar, Amanda Snyder, Michelle Shane, Tom Marchand, Lisa Shilling, Boy Scout Troop #16, Mike Moledor, & John Robinson. At registration & food we had Kathy Russo, Tracy Lewis, Paula Seplak, Lisa Stuthard, Matt Ritzert, Mike Welsh, Ron Saffel, Donna Symensma & friend Liz, Sharon Adams & friend, & Karen Reusser. I hope I did not miss anyone!!! All runners should volunteer at least once during the course of a racing season. You not only help that event, but you learn how difficult it is to come up with volunteers!
We had some great running & times on our certified course led by Justin Baum setting a new course record and pretty much nailing down the men's Subway Challenge Series Championship for 2009. *Cash is awarded for the highest single dollar amount if more than one record is achieved. Checks will be mailed at the end of this week!
MEN OVERALL Justin Baum 24 Hilliard OH 1:13:14.79 $250.00
MALE MASTER John Piggott 44 Williamsburg VA 1:20:41.14 $125.00
FEMALE 14-18 Rachelle Miller 18 Uniontown OH 1:38:40.91 No $
MALE 19-24 Justin Baum 24 Hilliard OH 1:13:14.79 *
MALE 25-29 David Howard Jr 25 Canal Fulton OH 1:18:36.64 $50.00
FEMALE 35-39 Jennifer Addessi 36 Canton OH 1:38:44.60 $50.00
MALE 35-39 Chip Wilson 38 North Canton OH 1:19:26.08 $50.00
MALE 40-44 John Piggott 44 Williamsburg VA 1:20:41.14 *
FEMALE 45-49 Deb McMasters 46 Uniontown OH 1:39:39.38 $50.00
MALE 45-49 Steve Slates 45 Scio OH 1:25:19.01 $50.00
FEMALE 55-59 Diane Perriello 58 Kent OH 1:50:25.21 $50.00
MALE 55-59 Don Cassidy 56 Canton OH 1:27:48.85 $50.00
FEMALE 65-69 Caroll Staats 65 Cuyahoga Falls OH 2:29:27.92 $50.00
I would also like to thank Quail Hollow State Park for their wonderful cooperation and use of their facilities. Many of you commented on the beauty of the park & that you did not know of it even existing. Many of us have been running there over many years as the park was established as a State Park in 1975.
Last, but certainly, not least, we need to thank Bill & Michelle Bakan of Maize Valley and their super staff for hosting the event. Working with them has been a "picnic" & they love to have us at their facility.
Please check out the over 400 picures posted from the race in the photo album!
Again, thanks for being part of the 2009 "Stomp the Grapes 1/2 Marathon!
Thanks! Sally & Terry Lewis
