More than 100 runners turn out for the 36th Annual Perkins Run at Dyberry Township
DYBERRY TWP. — The second big event on the summer running calendar took place this past weekend in Dyberry Township.
More than 100 competitors of all ages and abilities gathers at the Wayne County Fairgrounds Saturday morning to take part in the 2022 Perkins Race.
This marks the 36th year for the 5K, which is held every summer in memory of the late great Dr. William J. Perkins who was an avid supporter of local athletics. The event is sponsored by Wayne Memorial Health Systems, the Wayne County Board of Commissioners, and the Honesdale Cross Country program.
“The Perkins Race is the biggest fundraiser of the year for cross country,” said Race Director and Hornet Head Coach Lindsey Pender. “It’s also is a community event that fosters the aspects of life-long running and keeping our bodies moving.”
Off & Running
Jesse Jones of Liverpool (PA) was the first runner across the line, breaking the tape in just 16:36 and edging out Honesdale’s Aidan LaTourette for the title.
“This is a technical 5k layout with turns and multi-surfaces that make you stay focused throughout the entire race,” Jesse said. “It also had its faster asphalt sections too. All in all, I’d say it’s a well-balanced course.”
Kate Korty of Pleasant Mount cruised home to capture the women’s crown. The 15-year-old phenom stopped the clock at 19:03, outdueling the Lady Hornet duo of Brenna Dahlgren and Megan Kretschmer.
“We really had a great turnout from our team and alumni,” Coach Pender said. “So, that Is what really made my heart happy.”
Up next on the local summer road race agenda is the Habitat for Humanity’s “Run for the Roses.” The 26th annual event is slated for Saturday, August 27 at the Daniel J. O’Neill Sports Complex in Honesdale.
Alone Atop the Dais
Jesse Jones was born and raised in the suburbs of Rochester, New York.
He attended Brockport Central High School where he excelled as a distance runner. Jones was a standout member of the indoor track, outdoor track and cross country teams.
Jesse graduated in 2011, then continued his academic and athletic career at Mansfield University. There, he pursued studies in Environmental Sciences.
Three years ago, Jesse forged a strong connection to the area when he married Summer Hill, one of the most decorated runners in the history of Honesdale cross country and track.
On Saturday morning, Mr. and Mrs. Jones returned to Wayne County for the Perkins Race. Summer has been battling her way back from injuries, so she had to sit this one out. However, she was right there at the starting line to cheer on her hubby.
That little bit of inspiration seemed to stoke Jesse’s fire as he rocketed to victory as the overall race winner. Jones covered the 3.1-mile layout in a time of 16:36.1, good for a nearly 16 second cushion over his closest pursuer.
“This was my first Perkins Race and it was a great experience,” he said. “The environment of the whole event was very friendly and inviting for all ranges of runners/walkers which is always a plus.”
Summer is currently serving as Jesse’s coach. They have their sights set on the USATF National Club Cross Country Championships, which is scheduled for December 10 in San Francisco.
Jones is about six weeks into a rigorous training regimen that will see him open the fall season at the Short Course Open. That event will be hosted by Mansfield on Saturday, September 3.
“I’m definitely happy with where we’re at in my training and with the results,” Jesse said. “Especially considering my most recent tough workouts, the course layout, and the humid conditions.”
Jones is very grateful to be back in action after taking a full year off following a pair of heartbreaking family tragedies. Over the previous 12 months, Jesse had lost both his 87-year-old grandfather and his older brother who passed away at just 31 after a courageous battle with ALS.
The prospect of running competitively again has been excellent therapy for Jones on his long trip back to a sense of normalcy.
“Being able to start and finish at such an iconic place as the fairgrounds and run on the harness racing track was a lot of fun,” he said.
By the Numbers
While Jones finished first overall, several other local athletes also turned in solid performances at this year's Perkins Run.
Honesdales own Aidan LaTourette earned runner-up honors, posting a time of 16:52.4 Logan Novobilski, another talented Hornet, snagged third place overall with at 17:56.4. Luke Murray made it three in a row for the Red & Black, claiming fourth place with a time of 18:36.1
Korty rounded out the Front Five and took top honors among the ladies.
Kate's time of 19:03.9 was more than 20 seconds quicker of Dahlgren (19:26.2) and nearly a minute faster than Kretschmer (20:16.1).
This marked the second straight “victory” for Korty, who won the Firecracker 5K outright on the Fourth of July in Pleasant Mount.
Dustin Edsall (6th, 19:20.1) April Rutledge (9th, 20:26.7) and Paul Reiprich (10th, 20:34.7) rounded out the overall Top 10.
"I'd like to send out a huge thank-you to everyone from the business community to my cross country family who makes this day such a huge success," said Coach Pender. "It's a lot of work and there are definitely some sleepless nights along the way, but we do it for the kids and our community just gets that!"
For full race results, please visit wil-time.com or check out the Perkins Run and Honesdale Cross Country Facebook pages.
This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Wayne County 5K Challenge Dr. William Perkins Memorial 5K Jones
