Bucks runners enjoy return to a traditional Broad Street Run

Like last month’s Boston Marathon, having Philadelphia’s iconic Broad Street 10-Mile Run return to its normal spring date seemed to add even more energy to this exciting race.

A field in excess of 20,000 runners put their best foot forward on the popular straight, flat course with plenty of spectators to cheer the runners on.

As always, Bucks County striders were well represented in both genders at last Sunday’s event.

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Leading the way with first place age-group finishes were Julia Benmeara of Richboro and Nancy Smith of New Britain.

Benmeara, 15, took her division title in a time of 1:11.58. Smith, 65, a world-class Ironman triathlete, crossed the finish line in 1:16.17.

Christine Lloyd, 53, of Newtown placed third in 50-54 with 1:09.27 and Trish Kolonis, 77, Bensalem, garnered third in the 75-79 bracket in 2:14.53.

Other top female times included:

Kaitlin McGinley, 31, Doylestown, 58:34; Amy Bignault, 48, Doylestown, 1:08.40; Brittany DeBord, 31, New Hope, 1:09.31; Alana Jacaruso, 26, Levittown, 1:10.03; Carolan DiFiore, 30, Bensalem, 1:10.27; Abbie Todd, 25, Newtown, 1:12.04; Cara Lorenzi, 40, Langhorne, 1:13.28; Lori Wade, 41, Richboro, 1:13:49; Chrissy Shadle, 48, Doylestown, 1:14.33.

On the men’s side, Steve Gourley, 53, of Doylestown placed third in his division with a 53:12. Perkiomen’s Ethan Saville, 20, took second in his class with a 57:32; Robby Lloyd, 20, of Perkiomen placed second his bracket in 57:45.

Other top male times included:

Steve Hallman, 34, Langhorne, 57:55; Nicolas Volpe, 28, Southampton, 58:50; Jason Benham, 37, Feasterville, 1:01.05; Alec Hofer, 23, Doylestown, 1:01.10; Dylan James, 26, Doylestown, 1:01.54; Andrew Brennan, 23, Warminster, 1:02.57; Toby Rozengarten, 17, Richboro, 1:03.15; Sam Cler, 34, Langhorne, 1:03.58; Luke Schlegel, 26, Bristol, 1:04.07; Matthew Prybella, 33, Southampton, 1:04.23; Spencer Shelly, 43, Doylestown, 1:04.42; Michael Carroll, 42, Doylestown, 1:05.31; Vitaly Belotserkovsky, 51, Ivyland, 1:05.51; Colin McClusick, New Hope, 1:06.11; Christian Schramm, 45, Morrisville, 1:06.38; Ian Mee, 28, Langhorne, 1:06.49; Ethan Frank, 41, Newtown, 1:06.51; David Nolan, 30, Chalfont, 1:07.07; Daniel Piasecki, 35, Doylestown, 1:07.20; Matthew Brown, 25, Morrisville, 1:07.26; Bill McCool, 40, Penndel, 1:07.28; Drew Hess, 44, Yardley, 1:08.01; Tony Li, 29, Croydon, 1:08.08; Kevin Myslinski, 31, Penndel, 1:08.14; Tony Pereira, 54, Newtown, 1:08.19; Joe Haughey, 61, Newtown, 1:08.50; Wendell Smith, 48, Feasterville, 1:08.58; Mark Shopfer, 38, Yardley, 1:09.39; Geoffry Condari, 45, Southampton, 1:09.42; Todd Coulson, 49, Warminster, 1:09.56; Bob Boland, 66, Warrington, 1:09.57.

Congratulations to all Bucks County runners on some great performances.

Sesame Classic quite popular

More:Sesame Place Classic still a big attraction for runners, walkers and kids of all ages

The 22nd annual Kiwanis-Herald Sesame Place Classic is quickly approaching (May 15) and this year’s response has been particularly gratifying.

With more than 800 runners already signed up, it looks like this year’s 5K, 1-mile and Sesame Sprint for youngsters combined total will top the 1,000 mark for the first time in quite awhile.

So just a reminder: Things get underway at 7 a.m. with the start of the 1-mile race. To avoid delays (and secure a good parking spot), please plan on getting there early. Lots will be open at 5 a.m.

Also, to avoid standing in line on race day for packet pickup, why not beat the crowds by heading over to Oxford Valley Mall on either Friday, May 13 (4 to 9 p.m.) or Saturday (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) to secure your race bib, T-shirt, etc. You can also register for the race at OVM if you wish. And registration will be open at Sesame Place on Sunday morning.

A few other questions you might have (with a few answers):

• What’s the procedure for getting my free, single-day admission pass to Sesame Place?

By registering for the race, you can receive a free, single-day admission ticket to Sesame Place in your race packet.

• Is the course officially measured to USATF specifications?

Yes, both the 5K and one-mile courses have been precisely “wheeled” and are USATF-certified.

• How quickly will my time result be posted?

Thanks to Mark Toretsky at LinMark Sports, your time will be posted as soon as you cross the finish line. In fact, family members and friends can track your progress while you run by visiting www.linmarksports.com.

• Will Sesame characters be on hand as part of the celebration?

You bet. Big Bird will head an all-star cast.

• Can my child go over to the Langhorne-Middletown Fire Company’s Tower 21 truck and say hello to the crew?

Yes. And not only that, you just might get a tour of the big rig.

• What about a rescue vehicle in case of a mishap?

The Penndel-Middletown Emergency Squad, a mainstay in Bucks County since 1959, will be on hand.

For more information on the race and to pre-register, please visit www.sesameplaceclassic5k.com

Special Olympics in spotlight

Pat Donadio, a recent strong finisher in the Boston Marathon, helped coordinate the Law Enforcement Torch Run last Saturday. Some 20 Bucks County Roadrunners Club members took part in the Bucks County Special Olympics Torch Run from the Bucks County Courthouse in Doylestown to the Council Rock North High School track.

The Flame of Hope was escorted by corporal Neipp along with officers Kozuch and Coia. The mission of the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is to raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics movement.

“The Torch Run was a huge success,’’ Donadio said. “The stands at CR North were full and there was even a band.’’

Race calendar

Saturday

Run for Woods 5K, 9 a.m., Langhorne. Contact www.runforwoods.org

Sunday

Mother’s Day 10-Mile/10K, 9 a.m., Washington Crossing. Contact www.runsignup.com

Sunday, May 15

22nd annual Kiwanis-Herald Sesame Place Classic 5K/1-Mile/Sesame Sprint, 7 a.m., Contact www.sesameplaceclassic5k.com

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks runners well-represented at Broad Street Run