Sweeney Claims Hat Trick At Sybil 50K

Bob Sweeney claimed a Ahat trick@ as he raced to his third consecutive win at the Sybil Ludington 50K on April 27 in a time of 3:25:31. Race directors David Farquhar and Tony Galfano were ready for him though. They had a specially designed hat to give him at the awards ceremony! Gold, silver and bronze framed prints were also distributed to winners, along with certificates of ASybility@ to each of the ultra finishers. The morning of the race found a record 39 entrants, including 5 women, lined up alongside Route 6 in Carmel. The ultra-marathoners set out on a cool but sunny morning at 8:00 a.m. - followed an hour later by a scarce field of only 4 relay teams. The head wind posed a small challenge for the runners, but compared to the weather of past years, it was a lovely day. The course was well-marked, with numerous green arrows, and not a single runner went off course this year. Hooray! A loyal band of Taconic volunteers provided the hours of support along the route and at the finish line. The Davis= had a bountiful array of sandwiches, pasta, fruit and cookies (as well as appropriate beverages) ready for the finishers at the VFW, and the running water and chairs were also much appreciated! Conversation among the finishers was mind-boggling as they were overheard discussing the previous week=s 50 miler and the following week=s 100 miler! The only thing missing was a larger Taconic presence. Those of you who have participated in this event - either the full 50K or the relay - know that it is a great day. Make plans now to participate next year!

Sybil 50K Finishers 1. Bob Sweeney, 29M 3:25:31 2. David Luljak, 40M 3:31:59 3. Larry Philips, 35M 3:45:22 4. Ralph Balsamo, 49M 3:56:25 5. Ed Finnegan, 39M 4:02:57 6. Keith Panzer, 37M 4:04:48 7. Frank DeLeo, 43M 4:04:18 8. Ellen McCurtin, 29F 4:18:49 9. Juan Franco, 47M 4:22:26 10. Mel Cowgill, 59M 4:24:35 11. Bob Colton, 55M 4:25:44 12. Tim Sturmur, 43M 4:26:08 13. Pete Colaizzo, 31M 4:26:54 14. Fred Kirby, 45M 4:31:17 15. Bruce Boyd, 57M 4:35:43 16. Frank Dudaas, 35M 4:36:18 17. Ken Huttuien, 41M 4:38:28 18. Don Villeneuve, 56M 4:41:47 19. Bob Falk, 52M 4:41:57 20. Mark Ornstein, 37M 4:53:37 21. Dick Opsahl, 64M 4:57:45 22. Joe Spofford, 34M 4:57:45 23. William Piper, 50M 5:06:15 24. Charlie Eidel, 48M 5:08 25. Ed Gallagher, 48M 5:08 26. Bert Meyer, 50M 5:10:38 27. Rex Wilson, 54M 5:12:40 28. Ed McLaughlin, 48M 5:14:03 29. Lee Saroken, 48F 5:14:03 30. Barbara Saldick, 43F 5:24:37 31. Mary Phillips, 55F 5:28:06 32. Barry Aronwosky, 55M5:36:18 33. Harry Chafetz, 66M 5:37:08 34. John Kaufman, 47M 5:40:21 35. Joe Handleman, 66M 6:17:55 36. Deborah Redding, 41F 6:22:38 37. John Kenul, 52M 6:22:38

Sybil 50K Relay 1. Gary Steinel, 43M & Paul Fendler, 39M 2:53:44*

2. Pete Corsino, 49M & Doug Miller, 39M 3:31:52**

3. Brett Lim, 42M & Jerry DiMaggio, 38M 4:12:18

4. Steve Quinn, 49M & Katy Quinn, 45F 4:42:56***

*The racing strategy of the #1 relay team was to change legs every 0.2 miles. It was quite a sight to see them hopping in and out of the car. Gary noted that the most difficult part was putting his glasses on to drive without fogging them up!

**The second place relay team didn=t decide to enter this event until the night before. They divided the race by having Doug finish the first 20 miles and Pete the last 10. Wait a minute. . .who did the final mile?

***Upon being congratulated as the first masters team and the first mixed team in this event, Steve Quinn was asked the secret of his success. AThe competition,@ he replied!