By Scott MacKeen
Staff Writer
6/18/09
A cold, drizzly day did not keep the runners away. In fact, it may have been just the right mix for some to ply their craft.
Despite the clouds above, more runners chose to compete in this year’s Milton Road Race on a cool, wet afternoon in the high 50s, than did last year, when the heat index was touching 90 degrees. The 32nd annual event, sponsored by the Milton Junior Woman’s Club and held on June 9, saw the participation of more than 440 runners this year, nearly 100 more than the number in last year’s event.
Runners in the 5K and 10K races formed the starting line outside Cunningham Park. With a good crowd cheering them on, a light rain falling, they took their marks. Then they were off! And they were racing the streets of town.
The crowd waited with anticipation for a first glimpse of the frontrunners to return.
At the 18:32 mark, Lexington’s Tim Jackson was the first to arrive back at Cunningham: the victor in the 5K race. The first Milton runner to arrive was Patrick Mullen, whose time of 19:58 was good enough to place him fourth in the race. The fastest woman in the 5K was Milton’s Rebecca Padera, who came in at 21:01.
Before long, it was time for the first 10K runners to arrive back. Mark Pogozzelski, of Edgartown, was first, coming in at 33:33. Milton’s Jason Cakouros, last year’s winner in the 10K, was a close third this time with a time of 34:15. Placing first among women was Julie Spoliodoro, of Duxbury, who came in at 38:26. Milton’s fastest female runner was Evelyn Orlando, who was third among women with a time of 43:39.
Milton runners also represented the age groups well. John Jones was second and Ralph Westhaver third among men aged 60 to 98 in the 10K race; Brian Devin was second among men aged 50 to 59; Justin Renz was first among men aged 30 to 39; Kevin Manning was second among men aged 18 to 29; Patrick Madden was first, Brendan Saur second and Jon Maher third among men aged 1 to 17.
Rachel Shamur was second and Regina Tsanotelis third among women aged 50 to 59; Stephanie Hartwell was first and Elaine Schiffmann second among women aged 40 to 49; Annmarie Boylan was first and Leann Laneau third among women aged 30 to 39; Lauren Smith was first, Kathyrn Hurley second and Carolyn Quinn third among women aged 18 to 29; and Caitlin Gemma was first among women aged 1 to 17.
In the 5K race, Jay Driscoll was first and Don Driscoll third among men aged 50 to 59; Paul Muller was first and Tim Crowley second among men aged 40 to 49; Jamie Rice was first, James Brosnan second and Adam Carte third among men aged 30 to 39; Patrick Finn was first and Benjamin Pariser second among men aged 18 to 29; and Patrick Mullen was first and Blake Daniel second among men aged 1 to 17.
Ana Bustin was first among women aged 50 to 59; Ann Margare Caljouw was first, Virginia Dolan second and Gay O’Hanlon third among women aged 40 to 49; Elissa Perkins was first, Lisa O’Toole second and Kathy McMenamy third among women aged 30 to 39; Jillian Smith was first among women aged 18 to 29; and Katie Gioioso was first, Liz Bennett second and Caitlin Smith third among women aged 1 to 17.
Children also enjoyed the day with the Children’s Fun Run, moonwalks, face painting and arts and crafts.
The event was sponsored in part by Bethany Banner Homes, the Fruit Center, Corcoran Construction Corp., the Milton Police Department, The Toy Box, Furnace Brook Physical Therapy, Fallon Ambulance, Thatcher Farm, GKR Residential, Towne Tree Landscaping Equipment, Milton Chiropractic & Rehabilitation, Inc., American Legion, Fitness Unlimited, Jackrabbit Design and Church of Our Savior.

– Scott MacKeen