RYE –
Six hundred and ten runners hit the trails to participate in the Seacoast Science Center’s fourth annual Whale of a 5k Trail Race, held Saturday, April 21, in Odiorne Point State Park. The scenic route brought them through the forest, by the rocky shore, on the sandy beach, and up (and down) the hills over military fortifications of Odiorne Point State Park.
Race winner, Chris Ritchie, 28, of Exeter, crossed the finish line with a time of 17:52. Stephanie Crawford, 34, of Dover, was female overall winner with a time of 20:03. Second place winners were Andrew King, 36, of York, Maine, at 17:54 and Nataliya Tereshchenk, 35, of Nottingham at 20:36.
The Kid’s Fun Run gave the 100 of the youngest of athletes the option to run a 100-yard dash or a 1/2 mile run. In honor of Earth Day, each participant was awarded with a packet of sunflower seeds to plant at home.
The Center combined their Earth Day celebration with the event, which added to the festivities. The crowd enjoyed music, face painting, programs, information stations, and eco-friendly crafts and activities.
According to Race Director, Nichole Rutherford, “We are so pleased with the results of the day. We had more runners than ever, which helped up to raise $11,500 to support our environmental education efforts. Special thanks go to the more than 70 volunteers who put in countless hours to make the event possible.”
Prizes for the top two male and female winners in each age category were awarded for 5k runners and were presented by Councilor Chris Sununu.
Male age group top winners were Eric Degregorio, 23:53 (12 and under); Andrew Verville, 20:29 (13-17); Chris Ritchie, 17:52 (18-29); Andrew King, 17:54 (30-39); Jeff Kelly, 18:21 (40-49); John Webber, 20:47 (50-59); Ron Newbury, 20:13; (60-69); and Gary Reuter, 26:10 (70-99).
Female age group top winners were Michaela Jones, 21:02 (12 and under); Haley Markos, 24:24 (13-17), Margot Popecki, 21:44 (18-29); Stephanie Crawford, 20:03 (30-39); Heather Fabbri, 26:04 (40-49); Geri Clifford, 26:06 (50-59); Janet Parkinson, 26:51 (60-69), and Mary Harada, 36:56 (70-99).
Six hundred and ten runners hit the trails to participate in the Seacoast Science Center’s fourth annual Whale of a 5k Trail Race, held Saturday, April 21, in Odiorne Point State Park. The scenic route brought them through the forest, by the rocky shore, on the sandy beach, and up (and down) the hills over military fortifications of Odiorne Point State Park.
Race winner, Chris Ritchie, 28, of Exeter, crossed the finish line with a time of 17:52. Stephanie Crawford, 34, of Dover, was female overall winner with a time of 20:03. Second place winners were Andrew King, 36, of York, Maine, at 17:54 and Nataliya Tereshchenk, 35, of Nottingham at 20:36.
The Kid’s Fun Run gave the 100 of the youngest of athletes the option to run a 100-yard dash or a 1/2 mile run. In honor of Earth Day, each participant was awarded with a packet of sunflower seeds to plant at home.
The Center combined their Earth Day celebration with the event, which added to the festivities. The crowd enjoyed music, face painting, programs, information stations, and eco-friendly crafts and activities.
According to Race Director, Nichole Rutherford, “We are so pleased with the results of the day. We had more runners than ever, which helped up to raise $11,500 to support our environmental education efforts. Special thanks go to the more than 70 volunteers who put in countless hours to make the event possible.”
Prizes for the top two male and female winners in each age category were awarded for 5k runners and were presented by Councilor Chris Sununu.
Male age group top winners were Eric Degregorio, 23:53 (12 and under); Andrew Verville, 20:29 (13-17); Chris Ritchie, 17:52 (18-29); Andrew King, 17:54 (30-39); Jeff Kelly, 18:21 (40-49); John Webber, 20:47 (50-59); Ron Newbury, 20:13; (60-69); and Gary Reuter, 26:10 (70-99).
Female age group top winners were Michaela Jones, 21:02 (12 and under); Haley Markos, 24:24 (13-17), Margot Popecki, 21:44 (18-29); Stephanie Crawford, 20:03 (30-39); Heather Fabbri, 26:04 (40-49); Geri Clifford, 26:06 (50-59); Janet Parkinson, 26:51 (60-69), and Mary Harada, 36:56 (70-99).
Photo caption: The Kid’s Fun Run included one hundred young athletes. (Photo courtesy of www.seacoastsciencecenter.org)
