They're Off! The start of the Apple Derby Run featured the male winner, #244, Ryan Pauling followed by the female winner, #205, Ann Messenger, seen over his right shoulder. Pauling won in a record 24:26 time while Messenger won in a time of 32:30. Photograph by Walter Horylev.

85-year-old Bob Wood nears the first turn in the 26th Annual Apple Derby Run. Wood, a Geneva resident, was the only contestant in the 80-90 year old male category and ran the five mile distance in 1:19:07. Photograph by Walter Horylev.

Record breaking 5 mile for Apple Derby

A stiff wind and overcast sky did not deter 59 runners who participated in the 26th Annual Apple Derby 5-Mile Run on October 2. The traditional certified route laid perfect for Overall Champion, Ryan Pauling, who for the second year in a row broke the course record (24:46) out-distancing second place finisher, Jason Knarr (28:48) by over four minutes. For Pauling's efforts, he received a $250 cash prize from the Hilton Big M Challenge offered by owner Rick Furnal for any record-breaking performances.

Third overall, Alan Pogroszewski (31:29) placed just ahead of Ann Messenger(32:30) who took Overall Female honors and fourth place.

The Roger Messenger Masters Division Champions were John Benson (32:31) fifth overall and Patricia Pirnie (34:21) 11th overall.

Special congratulations to 71-year-old Richard Havens and 85-year-old Bob Woods who finished first within their respective age divisions for the second year in a row.

Following is a listing of the top two finishers in each category: 10-18 Male: Dennis Smalley (37:48) Benjamin Smalley (48:58); 10-18 Female: Emma Donahey (45:33) Sarah Hartman (45:35); 19-29 Male: Jason Knarr (28:48) David Branca (32:37), 19-29 Female: April Knarr (37:09) Susan Thomas (45:18); 30-39 Male: Alan Pogroszewski (31:29) Bert Carr (33:00); 30-39 Female: Amy Nesbitt (43:21) Julia Mundoff (44:09); 40-49 Male: John Benson (32:31) Mark Heberger (32:41); 40-49 Female: Patricia Pirnie (34:21) Linda Blossom (47:43); 50-59 Male: David Young (33:15) Clyde Sumner (36:52); 50-59 Female: Anne Procopio (40:25) Mitzie Lewandowski (46:15); 60-69 Male: Earl Cliffel (41:48) Al Smith (44:02); 60-69 Female: Lois Hotchkiss (42:50) Pat Scheiber (45:49); 70-79 Male: Richard Havens (52:17); 80-89 Male: Bob Wood (1:19:07).

Course Records: 2004 Ryan Pauling (24:46)

2004 Anne Messenger (32:30)