Story by Jon Dinan
ROCK HILL — Harbert Okudi was first to heave his chest across the finish line at the 20th annual Rhulen Rock Hill Run and Ramble 5K on Sunday. Okudi, a native of Uganda who now lives in New Paltz, finished the race in 14 minutes and 33 seconds, a new course record. The top three overall finishers received cash prizes of $500, $300 and $200.
About 900 participants of all ages and levels of experience ran, walked, and wheeled themselves through the race, which began at 9 a.m. Sunday.
The Father’s Day weekend tradition is put on to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America, the R4 Patient Fund, Catskill Regional Medical Center, and causes that can assist in the fight of these diseases.
This years 5K event raised about $50,000 after expenses were deducted. Approximately $10,000 will go to benefit 2012 R4 Fund recipient, Brian Scott of Jeffersonville. The 50-year-old Scott was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma before Christmas 2011, and is currently undergoing treatment at Crystal Run Health Careand CRMC. Scott will need every bit of the roughly $10,000 that was raised in his honor as his medication expenses come to about $1,800 per day.
“Six months ago I didn’t think I’d be in this position. It can happen to anybody,” Scott noted.
Top finishers from their various age groups ranged from ages 7 to 87. The girls’ youngest winner, seven-year-old Amanda Zeno of South Fallsburg finished the race despite her asthma condition.
“I didn’t make my goal of under 20 minutes but it still felt really good to finish,” Zeno said
Following the race, participants and family members had the opportunity to refuel and recuperate inside the courtyard of the Frontier insurance building, where live music, food and refreshments were provided, including hotdogs, funnel cake and beer from the Gilded Otter.
A Health Fair Tent was also set up so various groups such as CRMC, and Doreen Foxwell’s Children’s School of Yoga, could promote their programs.
“I’m so greatful that this event benefits our organization and the fight against cancer.” Foxwell said.
The Health Fair Tent featured a bone marrow drive, blood pressure readings, and even offered massages.
“It was great,” said Suzanne Rhulen-Loughlin, race director and daughter of the race’s namesake Walter Rhulen, who founded Rock Hill-based Frontier Insurance and died of leukemia in 1998.
“I’m always in awe at the generosity of our sponsors, Every year I’m reminded of how special this event really is.”

Race Results
Overall Female Open Winners.
1. Claudia Camargo, Hopewell Junction 17:27.6; 2. Mekides Bekele, NYC 17:34.2; 3. Catherine Smith, Wayne NJ 18:18.6;
Overall Male Open Winners
1. Harbert Okeiti, New Paltz 14:33.2 (course record); 2. Fikadel Lemma, Bronx 14:43.6; 3. Abraham Nuitetich, Mount Vernon 14:58.9.
Female 1-10
1. Amanda Zeno, South Fallsburg 25:13.
2. Giuliana Sadler, Port Jervis 26:17.
3. Cara Peddle, Warwick 30:09.
Male 1-10.
1. Evan Waterton, Kiamesha Lake 21:54.
2. Roland Zanger, Forestburgh 22:51.
3. Ricky Peddle, Warwick 23:50.2
Female 11-15.
1. Camryn Johnson, Rock Hill 19:39.
2. Sydney Johnson, Rock Hill 20:38.
3. Brooke Gillette, Grahamsville 21:31.
Male 11-15
1. Tyler Foxwell, Rock Hill 18:43.9.
2. Christopher Biondi, Pine Bush 19:00
3. Zach Nilsen, Neversink 19:19.
Female 16-19.
1. Rianne Erlwein, Jeffersonville 19:49.8.
2. Rachel Longendyke. Hurley 21:29
3. Rachel Quinn, Goshen 22:03.
Male 16-19.
1. Hans Zanger, Forestburgh 16:56.
2. Joseph Klein, Forestburgh 17:52.
3. Brendan Boylan, Salisbarry Mills 18:31.
Female 20-29.
1. Katy Schlichtman, Rock Hill 18:32.
2. April Ackermann, Cochecton 20:07.
3. Lyndi Fielitz, Walden 21. 42.
Male 20-29
1. Kevin Wippel, Pine Bush 17:26
2. Robert Badstein, Monroe 17:37.
3. Tim Kosteczko, New York 18:29.
Female 30-39.
1. Nicole Corre, Highland Park (NJ) 20:01.
2. Katie Wittenberg, Pine Bush 21:55.
3. Fernanda Faria, Goshen 21:39.
Male 30-39.
1. Jason Kennedy, Honesdale (PA) 17:00.
2. Raymond Revell, Wurtsboro 17:13.
3. Calvin Waterton, Kiamesha Lake 17:54.
Female 40-49
1. Barbara Ferrante, Wurtsboro 20:51.
2. Erika Emigh, Wallkill 21:31.
3. Jean Beattie, Florida 22:36.
Male 40-49.
1. Tom Stratton, Parksville 18:10.
2. Donald Thurston, Pine Bush 18:17.
3. John Sellstrom, Liberty 18:45
Female 50-59.
1. Valerie Kilcoin, Middletown 22:43.
2. Patty Insignares, Goshen 22:55.
3. Annette Burke, Goshen 23:04.
Male 50-59.
1. Richard White, New York 19:12.
2. Tom Manza, Monticello 19:49.
3. Marco Pabon, Middletown 20:21.
Female 60-69.
1. Cathy Pellicci, Napanoch 34:21.
2. Beverly Garzon, Parksville 34:30.
3. Ann Singer, Suffern 36:37.
Male 60-69.
1. Jeff Nero, Hopewell Junction 21:26.
2. Ken Lohmeyer, Mongaup Valley 22:25.
3. Richard Robillard, Chester 23:22
Female 70-75.
1. Ann Bergamo, Rock Hill 46:30.
2. Ada Biondi, Pine Bush 46:43.
3. Gail Lavitt, Middletown 49:56.
Male 70-75.
1. William Rosenberg, Wallkill 24:44.
2. Raey Webster, Warwick 28:08.
3. John Singer, Suffern 29:44.
Female 76-80.
1. Mary Heinle, White Sulphur Springs 39:10.
2. Gloria Kantrowitz, Woodridge 45:16.
3. Roberta Eisley, Woodridge 53:37.
Male 76-80.
1. Phil Brendan, Milford (PA) 30:02.
2. Louis Ioppolo. Warwick 37:00.
Female 81 and over. .
1. Kelly Desmond, Claryville 53:30.
2. May Nishman, New York 1:15.