Hounds Dominate Father’s Day 5 & 10k (6/12)

Hounds Dominate Father’s Day 5 & 10k

The Hounds performed outstandingly at this year’s “Man Up” Father’s Day 5k/10k at Riverfront Park, with five runners placing in the top ten in the 10k, and two lady Hounds placing first and second in the women’s division of the 5k. Greg Byrnes and Steve Strelick placed 2^nd and 3^rd in times of 33:34 (5:25/mile) and 34:46 (5:36), respectively, while the “really old” Steve Garand displayed his typical vigor in 35:33 (5:44), placing sixth overall and first in the 50-54 age category. He was followed by Brian Caskey, who came seventh in 35:44 (5:46). Greg Barnhisel placed 10^th, and first in the 40-44 class, in 37:05 (5:59). Jason Baim placed fourth in the same category, in 42:25 (6:50). Meanwhile, Hound by association, Christina Strelick, was second in the women’s race, in 39:58 (6:27).

Laura Harnish and Jamie Morgenstern, meanwhile, ran a steaming 5k in 17:25 (5:37) and 17:30 (5:39) respectively, placing 12^th and 14^th overall, and top of the women’s race. Mitch Dyer came 6^th in the men’s 5k, in 17:05 (5:31).

Notwithstanding last minute calls for volunteers, the race organisation was seamless, although the day turned out a little warm for the 10k runners. The course is fast and flat, with a slight uphill at the 2.5 mile mark in the 10k race, and some meandering through the trails of Washington Landing in the third and fourth mile, finishing with a straight mile-and-a-half. Dan Holland and Matt Meurer led the race unofficially until the finish line, coming in just behind the lead runner on their pacing bikes.

A few Hounds also participated in the Gateway Mile in Monroeville, on Thursday June 14. Recent acquisition to the Hounds, Stephanie Bonk came within a second of the women’s record, in 4:54. Eric Shaffer also broke the five minute barrier, while Jamie Morgenstern ran a 5:17. Jo Rupp and Brian Caskey also competed. The milers were given homemade candy for their efforts in this free event.