Canton Fall Classic Road Race says thank you

Kids start the Fall Classic fun run at Temple Beth Abraham.

Dear Editor:

Temple Beth Abraham hosted the 24^th running of the Canton Fall Classic on October 28, attracting 885 sign-ups for the 10k, 5k, and the kids’ one-mile fun run. Unlike last year, when the race was postponed due to snow, this year we dodged hurricane Sandy.

There was a buzz in the air before this year’s race when runners talked about current BAA runner Brian Harvey, NE Runner of the Year in 2010, in attendance. The word was that he was certainly capable of dethroning Dave Dunham’s 21-year-old 10k record of 30:12. The presence of BAA teammate and sub 2:30 marathoner Mike Fisher might be just the competition he needed. Harvey passed the three-mile mark in 15:11, a bit off the record pace, but still below a five-minute mile average. At the finish his time was 31:18 — not a record but the fastest winning time in 20 years.

Not far back in second place was Fisher in 31:37. Fisher’s second place time was also faster than any winning time in the past 20 years. Eric Greenspan was the top Canton finisher in sixth place with a time of 33:30.

On the women’s side, 2007 Canton High graduate Jessica Ackerman was the winner in 39:41 (6:23 pace). Ackerman’s race was even closer than the men’s, with Randy Stockbridge of Natick just seven seconds back. Stockbridge had won the 10k race in both 2010 and 2011. She ran even faster this year, but had to settle for second.

In the 5k David Chorney of Somerville defeated last year’s winner, Joseph Pike, in 16:19. Canton High 2011 graduate Kevin O’Donnell was third in 17:49. For the women, Heather (Searles) Mahoney became a repeat winner with a time of 18:28. Mahoney finished sixth overall, and her winning margin was nearly a minute over Noble and Greenough coach Kate Blake, who ran 19:25. Shelia Donovan was the top Canton woman with a 21:53.

The town of Canton has continuously supported the race in terms of attendance, prize support, and volunteer support. For full race results, go to www.cantonfallclassic.com or www.racewire.com.

First and second place finishers along with division winners had a choice of merchandise prizes, Reebok shoes, restaurant gift certificates, and other items generously donated by local merchants along with a small cash purse. A portion of the proceeds will be contributed to the Canton Food Pantry.

We wish to thank our sponsors: Bank of Canton, Canton Police Association, MS Walker, Industrial Metal Recycling, Shelia Donovan Pilates Studio, Verizon, Independent, Bernotas Realty, Stanetsky Memorial Chapels, Sheldon Cohen Insurance, Republic Plumbing, All Business Communications, HarborOne Credit Union, Dedham Savings, Living the Dream Auto, Charles River Running, Rodman Ford, Basement Technologies, Absolute Landscaping, and Blue Hill Press for enabling our event to continue and further establishing the race as one of Canton’s and the south shore’s premier running events.

Contributing donors were Welsh and Parker Insurance Co., Blue Hill Montessori School, Joe Casey, ING Financial, Hub City Cycles, Cumberland Farms, Halfway Cafe, Liberty Mutual, and the Tex-X Club. Friends included Ron Michaelson, Reebok, Draper Labs, Larabar, Vita Coco Water, Pretzel Chips, the Main Course, Marathon Sports, Hint Water, and Yasso Yogurt Bars.

We could not have put on a race without our great volunteer staff of 60 strong and the generous support from our many patrons. Our sincere thanks and gratitude go out to the following local businesses:

Alfredo Aiello, Anton’s Cleaners, Beantown Diner, Big Y Supermarket, The Butcherie, Canton Cleaners, Cheng-Du, Chinatown, Canton Wine and Spirits, Canton Discount Liquors, Dennino’s Pizza, Foley’s Backstreet Grille, Frugal Fannie’s, Golden China, Halfway Cafe, Jake ’n Joe’s, Luciano’s, Mandarin Taste, Marathon Sports, Maxie’s Deli, Milano, New England Pottery, New England Runner, Not Your Average Joe’s, Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt, Paula’s Package Store, Pastene, Redstar Sunglasses, Roche Bros. Supermarket, Ron’s Sunglasses, Seasonal Specialties, Shaw’s Supermarket, Stop and Shop, Stoughton Car Wash, Supercuts, Total Auto Parts, United Liquors, Tri-Town Liquors, Town Spa, and Visions.

Thanks to our race committee, including Janice Levenson, Ellen Orkin, Phyllis Moore, Phyllis Lerner, David Wolicki, and Steve Shuman. Special thanks also to Harvey Malin and Margie and Pam Zides for their behind-the-scenes support. Finally, we thank the town of Canton for its continuous support and attendance. We look forward to organizing next year’s 25^th annual race.

Sincerely,

Rich Zides, Harvey Blonder, and Melissa Mayer

Co-Directors, Canton Fall Classic Road Race

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