Racers run for the apples 24th time

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