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.