By Rob Potter
LIBERTY — July 8, 2003 – Despite the heat and humidity Friday, several area runners and walkers spent part of their Fourth of July holiday in Liberty for the fourth annual Freedom Crusade 10K Run/5K Walk.
The participants challenged themselves and each other while running and/or walking some of the Village of Liberty’s steep hills during the event, which was sponsored by the Catskill Mountain Dianetics Center. They started the race on North Main Street near the Liberty Elementary School and finished on the school’s front lawn.
For the second straight year, Wayne Beam of Middletown was the first runner to cross the finish line. He ran the 10K course in a time of 35.18.
“They do a nice job here, they have water stations all along the course,” Beam said. “This is probably the toughest 10K course I’ve ever run. It seems like most of the race is uphill. It’s a challenge, that’s for sure.”
Tim Decker finished second in the 10K with a time of 38.04. Third place went to Jerry Murphy, who ran the course in 45.27.
Karen Lamb of Dallas, Texas completed the course in 56.53 to win the women’s division. She is attending the Stagedoor Manor Performing Arts Training Center Camp this summer in Loch Sheldrake.
“It was gorgeous,” Lamb said of the course. “I loved the hills. It’s a beautiful little town.”
For the fourth consecutive year, Eugene Cutler won the men’s division of the 5K walk. He walked the course in 32.03. Cliff Freeman was second with a time of 33.23 and Dan Reed was third in 34.37.
Pam Katz won the women’s 5K walk with a time of 32.03. Dora Blume was second in 36.49 and Nicole Dreyfus was third in 42.03.
In addition to the 10K run and 5K walk, a kids’ race was held for the first time at the Freedom Crusade. The youngsters, who ranged in age from 3 to 8, excitedly ran around a set of cones set up on the softball field adjacent to the Liberty Elementary School.
Race Director Mark Spina noted that the event was a success.
“Everything went well,” he said. “We get to see people enjoying their time outside and smiling – that’s a good thing. Everybody had a good time and the kids really enjoyed their race.”
Spina also noted that the event would not have been as successful without the help of a number of people. He thanked the Wild Pigs Motorcycle Club, Village of Liberty Police, New York State Police, Town of Liberty Volunteer Ambulance Corps and many other volunteers for their assistance.