2005 Philadelphia Distance Run Report

By Matt Palombaro

On a sunny and warm September Sunday morning a large contingent of Wanderers toed the line at this year’s edition of the Philadelphia Distance Run. This year the race featured a modified course and an energy drink that many runners found to be unpalatable.

Phil Ranly led the way for the Wanderers with a strong 1:19:00 which placed him 116th overall. Chris Moore’s strong showing (1:23:12, 178th) indicates that his hard training is paying off. Paul Hines, who hosted the successful Chestnut Hill Academy Invitational and Open Classic the previous day, turned in a typical solid performance with a 1:24:52 (223rd overall, 7th age group)). Chris Verry emerged as a force to be reckoned with by following up a good Rock and Roll Half Marathon with an impressive 1:25:39 (243rd).

Lynne Andersson and Barb Gorka, a.k.a. Team Benedict Arnold, logged superb efforts while wearing [gasp!] Jenkintown Running Company team uniforms. Lynne covered the course in a swift 1:30:54, good for 6th in her age group (441st overall), while Barb was hot on her heals, 7th in her age group (543rd), in 1:32:32.

Justin Fogarty and Jennifer Rezeli completed their first half-marathons in outstanding times. Justin recorded a 1:30:37 (430th) and Jennifer logged 1:30:38 (765th). Polly Jansen, not to be outdone by significant other Chris Verry, happily ran 1:39:30 (1107th). Dawn Fantasia made sure that there was plenty of room for cake and ice cream by running a 2:12:57 (6208th) on her birthday. Diana Garretto covered the course, while “dragging” her father, in an excellent 2:07:27 (5435th). Rumor has it that Carnage, the “athlete” formerly known as Rock Steady, is recruiting Diana to cart his butt around the course next year.

Tony Cafagna and Amanda Stouffer both put in a hard day’s work. Tony ran a solid 1:49:39 (2435th) and Amanda, a few short weeks after participating in the Hood to Coast Relay, pounded out a 1:51:59 (2794th). Jane Cespuglio covered the 13.1 mile course in a solid 2:07:27 (5425th). Melanie Wright, who braved a torrential downpour at the Chestnut Hill Cross Country Classic this very same weekend last year, outdid herself by grinding out a 2:50:43 (8287th) half marathon this year.

Dennis “Hard-Core” Crowne and Megan Boyle used the PDR to tune up for their attempts at running two marathons each this fall. Dennis ran a steady 2:02:34 (4612th) and Megan recorded a solid 2:09:20 (5706th).

One can only conclude from these performances that the Wanderers put in some hard miles throughout the hot and humid summer. The fall racing season is sure to be a successful one for club members. Congratulations to everyone.

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