Wanderers Excel at the Double Trouble

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The Wanderers may have just concluded the Spring Trail Series, but perhaps it could be fair to say that the series truly culminated with the Pagoda Pacers running of Double Trouble on June 26.

With a very formidable 100 degree heat index on the dry, rocky and hilly course, the Wanderers pushed themselves to their limits (and some even beyond). Using the Trail Series as training must have really paid off. Consistent standout Matt Palombaro donned the Wanderers' blue and gold and led their efforts improving from 8th in 2004 to finish 6th in an impressive field with a time of 1:10:06, taking top honors for the 20-29M. Surprising even himself Chris Moore bested last year's time despite the heat and moved up from 26th in 2004 to 11th with a time of 1:13:48, also placing first in 30-39M.

Barb Gorka successfully defended her reign as top Female Master, finishing with a time of 1:29:10. She'll have an even tougher time next year out-doing herself, since she not only won the masters division, but also collapsed in the finish chute, causing quite a scare. Little did the rest of the team know that collapsing at the finish line results in being placed in an air-conditioned ambulance with people waiting upon you hand and foot!

Polly Jansen and Chris Verry, both new to this race and to the Reading trail races, finished impressively. Polly took top honors in her age group 30-39F with a time of 1:26:33 and Chris was just slightly shut out of winning an age group award, finishing in 1:18:03.

Perennial competitor Betty Alice Powalchek (Susan Hurrey) was just not the same in the heat without Rock Steady's constant presence to compel her to glory. Still… look at the post-race photo – Susan looks as if she just emerged from the shower good as new, ready to tackle the 30K. Betty Alice finished in 1:44:41.

Other notable Wanderer results included legend Paul Hines who just entered the 50-59 age group, yet raced to a 4th place finish overall with a time of 1:09:04. Also part time triathalete (and hopefully new Wanderer recruit!) Christian Warekis came in 2nd overall with a time of 1:07:06 (right on the heels of winning the last of the Wanderers spring trail races – coincidence? We think not!) And super-cyclist (and again hopefully a new Wanderer recruit) Joe Lanza came in 30th overall, 7th in age group, with an impressive time of 1:21:18.

Super performances by all!

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