Runnymede 8K Results, 2017
August 3, 2017
Arbaughs and Merkels battle it out
The final event of the 2107 Twilight Series, held at Runnymede Elementary School, had a new race director again this year in Jean Smink. The event ran like clockwork thanks to her and the volunteer crew of Vida Callier, Lindsey Hardesty, Bob Leatherman, Tina McCubbin, Alex Smink and Brad Smink. Also, Joe Loveland brought the race equipment and Tim Gosnell worked the timing device. Liuda Galinaitis worked registration and again brought the joke-laden Popsicles.
#1 What is the scariest day for a fish? (answers at the bottom)
#2 What did the horse say to the angry cow?
#3 Why do rhinos have so many wrinkles?
The top five of the men's race had formed a clear gap after the turnaround. Ben Arbaugh had a several second lead, and looked strong, when most of us saw the leaders returning. In short order from there were Sean Gore, Peter Merkel, Colin Russell and Karsten Brown, who had led them down the first hill. Series leader Ryan Taylor was absent, though he had already clinched an overall top three. The series title was up-for-grabs for both Peter and Karsten, as they could overtake Ryan in the series, with first and second place Runnymede finishes, respectively. Ben stretched his lead and won the day. Peter moved up a spot, edging out Sean for second and assuring himself a share of the series title. Sean denied Karsten the next spot and a three-way tie for the series win. Colin was close behind in fifth.
#4 Why do vampires love baseball?
#5 Why did the football coach ask for a refund?
#6 Why did the book join the police?
The women's race also prominently featured an Arbaugh and a Merkel. Ben's Mom Tonna Arbaugh had the series lead entering the final event. Peter's better half, Samantha Merkel, had not felt well during Hashawha, but had made up lots of ground in the intervening events and basically needed to finish ahead of Tonna to win the series. Stephanie Geers had an outside chance at tying for first, but more realistically was in position to move past Brady Crone for third in the series. Tonna took the early lead and led coming back from the turnaround. Like last time at Pleasant Valley, Samantha was patiently stalking about ten seconds back. Once again, Samantha made her move well into the second half of the race. This time, she passed Tonna with about a mile to go, and powered up the last hill to pull away for the event and series win. Tonna was again impressive in second for the race and the series. Brady Crone made a strong bid for third in the series by finishing in that position in this race, but Stephanie Geers' fourth place garnered enough points to round out the series podium.
#7 What kind of phones do turtles use?
#8 How does thread get to school?
#9 What has a neck, but no head, and still wears a cap?
Those running or volunteering for four events won the series premium. One's best four race scores (excluding Owl), with a minimum of three races run, were required to be eligible for a performance award. Below are the performance award winners. Prizes will be available at the upcoming club picnic.
Series Winners
Women Overall
1) Samantha Merkel
2) Tonna Arbaugh
3) Stephanie Geers
15 & Under
1) Maddie Arbaugh
2) Rubie Goffena
3) Lyla Goffena
16-19
no qualifiers (apart from Samantha)
20-29
1) Sarah Gawens
2) Emily Russell
3) Katie White
30-39
1) Karen Gue
2) Emily Fulkerson
3) Erin Lavelle
40-49
1) Brady Crone
2) Tina McCubbin
3) Nicole Bruno
50-59
1) Paula Smith
2) Jean Smink
3) Janice Muller
60-69
1) Nancy Willis
70-79
1) Jeanette Novak
80 & Over
1) Yvonne Aasen
Men Overall
1) Peter Merkel
1) Ryan Taylor
3) Karsten Brown
15 & Under
1) Charlie Ferguson
2) Garrett Cox
3) Ben Duvall
16-19
1) Brandon Arbaugh
2) Cyrus Daroowalla
3) Kyle Cotoia
20-29
1) Ben Arbaugh
2) Brendan DuLaney
3) Nick Galinaitis
30-39
1) Colin Russell
2) Ryan Geers
3) Mike DuLaney
40-49
1) Tom Yinger
2) Spencer Hamblen
3) Dave Cox
50-59
1) Joe Burke
2) John Way
3) Bill Stahr
60-69
1) Tom Smith
2) Doug Preston
3) Paul Kelly
70-79
1) Skip Fennell
How many of these did you get?
#1 What is the scariest day for a fish? (answers at the bottom)
Fry-day
#2 What did the horse say to the angry cow?
What's your beef?
#3 Why do rhinos have so many wrinkles?
They're difficult to iron.
#4 Why do vampires love baseball?
They like to play with bats.
#5 Why did the football coach ask for a refund?
He wanted to get his quarter back.
#6 Why did the book join the police?
He wanted to work under cover.
#7 What kind of phones do turtles use?
Shell-ular phones
#8 How does thread get to school?
The spool-bus
#9 What has a neck, but no head, and still wears a cap?
A bottle