At left: 2001 Champions of the Hilton Apple Derby/ Merkel 5 Mile Run Sue Zoltner and Nathan Huckle. Below: The Hilton Apple Derby competitors who placed within their respective age categories.

Ideal weather conditions on Saturday, September 29 welcomed 110 runners who competed in the 23rd Annual Apple Derby/Merkel 5 Mile Run held in conjunction with Hilton Apple Fest weekend.

Nathan Huckle (27:15) finished first overall outdistancing Ray Stemma (29:34) and Brian Emelson (29:51). This victory for Huckle makes him the first runner to win the Apple Derby three consecutive times and puts him at the table with local runner Dave Tresohlavy and Tim McMullen who each placed first on four separate occasions.

Sue Zoltner's 30:45 fast-paced effort made her the first female runner to cross the finish line (7th overall) ahead of Sandra Rubsam (33:32) and Michelle Arrighi (34:16). Zoltner's time was the third fastest recorded on this certified course by a female competitor behind Anne Myers (30:25) and Linda Grossman (29:10).

Race course coordinator Tom Ganley and many volunteers assisted with the run. Hilton Big M sponsored the $500 Challenge for any record-breaking performance.

The top ten finishers, male and female were: