A Record Year for the Thanksgving Cross Country Classic

What a fantastic record breaking day it was!  A record of 1,596 registered participants, 1,524 finishers, a record beautiful day (unless you want last years mudfest repeated) and course records broken!

Craig Curley blew away the previous course record of 15:24 in an amazing 14.54.  Not only did he blow away the record, but he made it look easy.  Gliding to the finish, 27 seconds ahead of second place Bryce Livingston, Curley looked like he could easily continue for at least another lap.  Curley earned $100 for breaking the course record, courtesy of Craig Dabler Jewelers!  Breaking another record, Shaun Haley knocked off 28 seconds for the Master’s course record, previously held by Rick Fenno from 1998. Haley completed this year’s event in a fast 16:22.

The women’s race proved to be quite exciting also.  Hanna Henson pushed Paula Morrison, beating her by 19 seconds, with a time of 18:24.  Henson came close to beating the course record, currently held by Morrison, but unfortunately missed it by 3 seconds.  Lisa Warneke finsihed as our first Master’s with a time of 21:30. 

The Warneke family was well represented in the award’s ceremony, with Lisa finishing as first female Master, Nancy as first in her age group of 70-74, and Jack as first in the men’s 75-79 age group!

The fun run was won by Colby Wilson, 14 years old, in 11:53, with 9 year old Trent Yuhasz close on his heels in 11:56 followed by 51 year old Dennis Bonilla in 11:58.

The team competition became, well, quite the competition.  First place for women was Chicks of Wog with a team time of 1:34:39 and second place was Pops TC Girls with a time of 1:38:42.  Awards are given to the top two teams but Avoiding the Ax-TTG was a close 3rd place finisher in 1:40:51.  The men’s top team was PF Flyers, including Craig Curley, our overall winner, with a team time of 1:04:08.  Close behind in second place was Team Running Shop in a time of 1:08:31.  Just on the heels of second came Team Clanschad in 1:09:39.

As a friendly reminder regarding team rules:  It is required that each and every team and team member be registered by 6 pm on Wednesday, prior to the event.  We are not trying to discriminate or eliminate teams but absolutely need all teams and all team members in the data base by Wednesday night.  Having your name listed on a team but not registering before Wednesday, 6 pm, will disqualify you from being on that team.  Likewise, we can’t add team members to teams on race day.  It’s unfortunate that we have to have these rules but it is the only way to make it fair for all teams-keep the same rules for everyone.  I hope this helps clarify any issues or questions you might have for next year.

As always, I want to personally thank many people for such a great event!  First are you, the participants!  You make it all worthwhile and exciting.  Secondly, I must thank Martin Pena, my co-race director and Lucas Tyler, our volunteer coordinator.  My co-workers at The Running Shop, thank you for working your tail off.  Thank you to the Marines for all that they do for Toys for Tots.  The sponsors have been great year after year:  Worldly Soles, Sonic Drive In, Brooks, Bruegger’s Bagels, Albertson’s, Sparkletts, Ok Feed, DJ Rich and Craig Dabler Jewelers.  Thank you to Southern Arizona Roadrunners and to Greg Wenneborg for his timing services.  Thank you to our tons of volunteers: Sheryl and Steve Felde, Bob Auman, Marilyn and Roy Bart, Dennis Richards, Marc Janis, Rachel Johnson, Steve and Christine Outridge, Christie Bane, Penny Zacharias, Rey Johnson, Jocie Riley, Mary Lasser, Joey Lasser, Lavina Lasser, Dave Hill, Maureen Cunningham, Sandy White, Stephanie Moore, Virginia Farwell, Ray Henson, Sandra Heater, Mary Mesal, Connie Lopez and others I know I’ve missed.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Results are posted on line and all unclaimed prizes are at The Running Shop.  There are a few lost and found items here also.  Tee shirts for those who did not get one at the event are now available at the shop.  Who knew that with 1500 shirts we would run out?!

I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving and wish everyone a happy holiday season.