The 2002 Apple Derby 5 Mile Champions, Dan Ruhnke and Gretchen Welch, are shown following the awards ceremony.

Racers run for the apples 24th time

Hilton-Parma Recreation hosted the 24th Apple Derby/Merkel 5 Mile Run on October 5 Apple Fest weekend, as 94 runners took to the certified course and produced some quality performances. Overall winner Dan Ruhnke (27:48) out distanced Todd Rogers (28:03) and Brian Emelson (28:58), while the overall female champion Gretchen Welch finished fourth. Welch's time (30:16) on the wind-swept course was the second fastest time by a female (Linda Grossman 29:10 in 1998) in Apple Derby history. Rounding out the top five finishers was Paul Persia (31:32). Michelle Arrighi (34:46) was the second female finisher followed by Patricia Pirnie (35:22) and Marie White (37:07).

The Hilton School District, the Monroe County Sheriff's Department, Parma Special Police, and the volunteers helped make the race a successful event, according to H-P Recreation.

The top two finishers in each age category are as follows:
Overall Male	Dan Ruhnke	27:48
10-18 Age:	Jeff Nutting	39:12
	Steve Smith	39:34
19-29 Age:	Ryan Pauling	33:15
	Edward Hall	34:38
30-39 Age:	Todd Rogers	28:03
	Brian Emelson	28:58
40-49 Age:	Paul Smarsh	32:42
	Steven Johns	33:27
50-59 Age:	Paul Persia	31:32
	Jim Glinsky	34:48
60-69 Age:	Tom Brannon	40:04
	Jim Merkel	40:38
70-79 Age:	Ed Stabins	58:55
Open:	Dr. Bob Wood (83 yrs. old)	1:09:47
Overall Female:	Gretchen Welch	30:16
10-18 Age:	Kim Yancone	44:20
	Raebecca Smalley	52:46
19-29 Age:	Susan Thomas	37:26
	Amanda Weigand	43:03
30-39 Age:	Robin Lorenzo	32:40
	Michelle Arrighi	34:46
40-49 Age:	Marie White	37:07
	Laura Whitcomb	41:53
50-59 Age:	Anne Procopio	39:50
	Jane Mahoney	44:10
60-69 Age:	Lois Hotchkiss	41:13
	Joan Rosati	49:52