Emory and Lambert victorious at Wissahickon Trail Classic presented by East River Bank

Josh Emory of Conshohocken and Meredith Lambert of Eagleville prevailed over a strong field to win the men’s and women’s divisions at the Wissahickon Trail Classic on June 2.  Josh completed the hilly course in 40:25, 22 seconds ahead of fellow Rosemont Running Club member Scott Lebo of Pottstown.  Finishing third was Enos Benbow of Georgetown, Del, in 41:25.

Meredith finished in 44:40, two minutes ahead of Laura Onderko of Philadelphia with Kristin Zielinski in third in 47:25.

It was the 7th Annual event organized by the Wissahickon Wanderers.  The course traverses the winding, rocky trails of the Wissahickon – the trails the Wanderers run on their weekly runs (Thursdays & Saturdays).  Wanderers staffed the registration tables, water stops, and were race course trail marshals.  It was a total club effort to host the event.

Conditions for the race were just about perfect.  Weather was sunny and mild with little humidity.  500 runners on the nose completed the course and there were dozens of walkers as well.

As far as the age categories, in the men’s division Scott Lebo was first in the M40-49; Wanderers Jeff Hayes was ninth overall and first M50-59 in 44:04:  Mark Frazza of Philadelphia was first M60-69 in 53:36; and new Wanderer member Gerry Moen was first M70+ in 1:43:44.

In the women’s division, Kristin Zielinski was first in the 30-39 age bracket; Mary Braverman of Narbeth was first in 40-49 in a time of 49:35;  Carol Giampietro of Garnet Valley was first 50-59 in 58:49; Diane Hardies of Marlton, N.J., was first in 1:13:39 in 60-69; and Heidi Moebius of Lancaster was first in 70+ in a time of 1:14:56

The race was conducted for the benefit of the Wissahickon Restoration Volunteers.  The Wissahickon Restoration Volunteers is a non-profit, member supported organization that works to enhance the native flora in the Wissahickon Park.

A big thank you to race sponsors.

  • East River Bank was the presenting sponsor.
  • Whole Foods provided post-race refreshments.
  • Laurel Hill Gardens of Chestnut Hill provided plants for award winners.
  • The Cedar’s House provided pre-event support.
  • Other sponsors include Valley Green Bank, Valley Green Inn, ING Bank, Applebees, RoadID, Chestnut Hill College, the Couch Tomato Café, Earth Bread and Brewery, Rita’s Water Ice, Preferred Sportswear, Chestnut Hill Camera Shop, and Rodale.

Race partners include the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department, USA Track and Field, and the American Hiking Society.  We thank the Philadelphia EMS service and the police officer from Philadelphia’s 14th District for traffic control at Bell’s Mill Road.

Race Results

Results are located here (PDF). Thanks to Ron Horn and Pretzel City Sports.

Race Photos

Wanderer Clay Wells took a ton of great action shots on the course as well as the start, finish and awards ceremony. Becasue there are over 700 photos total, we split them up into 4 separate ‘albums’ (~177 photos each). They are posted in chronological order. Enjoy !