Staten Island Athletic Club's
3 Mile Fun Run
January 27, 2001
Rich Orazem continued his fun run winning streak with his fifth consecutive victory, posting a rare come from behind victory in 18:13. The streak will not be extended to six, however, as Orazem will participate in the Puerto Rico Half-Marathon next week. He used this race as a hard tempo run, hanging back in the early stages of the race, only turning on the speed in the second half, much to the dismay of a surprised Dave Panza. In what might be a prelude to next week's Orazem-less race, Panza and Mark Vogt battled for the early lead thinking the race was theirs to win. At the halfway point Panza lost contact with Vogt, but was in turn passed by the surging Orazem, who pulled away for the victory. Panza claimed second in 18:48, leaving Vogt (19:20) on his own to hold off the late surges of Jeff Benjamin (19:35) and A-Born Etchison (19:39).
In an interesting finish, 16 year-old Petrides runner David Polchinski (21:23) nipped the senior 42 year-old Bob Polchinski (21:27) for 11th place. That should make for some interesting conversation at tonight's dinner table.
On the women's side, Gail Marino, a regular fun run top finisher, returned to the weekly event in style, posting a solid 21:15 for the win. Also returning to contention, was Barbara Byrne last year's SIAC women's master's runner of the year who took second in 22:59.
With some hints of improving weather, more and more runners are starting to think about their spring races. With that, the fun runs are beginning to see more participants who are getting a bit more serious about their times. In a few weeks, some might even need a hit of Gatorade at the finish. It's only four months to the start of the Triple Crown, will you be ready?
RESULTS
1. Rich Orazem, M, 18:13
2. Dave Panza, M, 18:48
3. Mark Vogt, M, 19:20
4. Jeff Benjamin, M, 19:35
5. A-Born Etchison, M, 19:39
6. Bobby Guidera, M, 20:40
7. Sean Gatling, M, 20:55
8. Roman Nepomnyashchiy, M, 20:56
9. Gail Marino, F, 21:15
10. Justin Berg, M, 21:15
11. David Polchinski, M, 21:23
12. Bob Polchinski, M, 21:27
13. Joe Quinn, M, 21:55
14. Fred Rigolini, M, 22:15
15. Jason Cotto, M, 22:37
16. Barbara Byrne, F, 22:59
17. Alex Liberatore, M, 23:20
18. Steve Maluk, M, 24:37
19. Andy Burek, M, 24:56
20. Carl Fiorillo, M, 24:56
21. Paul Forster, M, 24:59
22. Tiny Siragusa, M, 25:39
23. Angela Conte, F, 27:01
24. Ruth Fairbrother, F, 28:05
25. Paul Alexis, M, 29:13