Race report, photos, and results.

Joel Alberts and Rick Graboyes both came in first at the Chestnut Hill Cross Country Classic on September 13.

Joel won the race in 16:33 after dueling with cross country veteran Chuck Shields over the length of the three mile race. Chuck finished eight seconds behind in 16:41.

For Graboyes, the classic was his first race ever, and he showed grit and courage as he conquered the hilly course in 33:33. The hot and sunny conditions made the race even tougher, but Rick never wavered. Melanie Wright also deserves special recognition. She had arrived at the classic in her usual capacity as a race registrar. But she jumped into the race to make sure Rick had company and support. Melanie finished 14th in 33:32.

The top female finisher was Colleen Forshee who finished 7th overall in a strong time of 19:43.

Matt Palombaro was the first Wanderer to finish. He came in third in a time of 17:08. 74-year-old Bruce Gilbert produced another strong run at the classic finishing in 12th place in 26:18.

The turnout was light for the race with 15 runners in all. But all runners performed valiantly. The race is put on by the Wanderers in coordination with Chestnut Hill Academy, which holds a school meet the same morning. Many thanks to Leslie Turchetti as well as Melanie for helping to organize the event, as well as to Chestnut Hill Academy coach Paul Hines.

Chestnut Hill Cross-Country Classic 2008 Results

Place Name Time
1 Joel Alberts 16:33
2 Chuck Shields 16:41
3 Matthew Palombaro 17:08
4 Jacob Childs 18:17.1
5 Wesley Shope 18:17.8
6 Ward Shope 19:11
7 Colleen Forshee 19:19
8 Robert Torchia 19:43
9 Fred Kenney 20:05
10 Rob Kafes 21:28
11 Fred Dedrick 21:34
12 Bruce Gilbert 26:18
13 Jim Trainor 32:43
14 Melanie Wright 33:32
15 Rick Graboyes 33:33

 

Photos Gallery:

Runners Out on the Course: