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Eli Ruiz | Democrat
It was a laugher for Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther and Bernard Berson at the Forestburgh 5K on Saturday. At 83 years of age, Berson was the oldest participant.
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Story by Eli Ruiz
FORESTBURGH — August 20, 2013 — For the last seven years the Forestburgh 5K Run and Walk has served as the kickoff event for the annual Forestburgh Day.
And Saturday was no different as the race drew its largest field yet, one that included such notables as Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, Legislator Alan Sorenson, Family Court Judge Mark Meddaugh and retired Sullivan County Court Judges Hon. Burton Ledina and race organizer Anthony Kane.
Even Republican New York State Senator John Bonacic – an avid runner – took some time from his busy itinerary to try out the course.
“Beautiful town, beautiful course and an absolutely wonderful cause. What's not to like here," said Bonacic.
A gorgeous late-summer day greeted the nearly 200 participants of all ages and walks of life – some of whom traveled from as far as New Jersey. They assembled at the intersection of Lake Joseph Lane and Adam Road for some friendly competition and more importantly for that "wonderful" cause as the proceeds from the run went to benefit Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties.
Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties' stated mission is to provide the highest quality of care for those people facing life limiting illness at the appropriate time, place and setting that best meet the needs of the patients and their families. They provide specialized end of life care for those of any age facing any life-limiting illness.
Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, Inc. serves Orange and Sullivan Counties and lower Ulster County. Hospice care is provided in the patient’s home, nursing home, adult care facilities, group homes or hospital or at The Kaplan Family Hospice Residence.
"I think this has to be our most successful run yet," offered race director Dr. Gary Berson. "It’s been building for seven years now with growth each and every year. I believe we're on pace to eclipse any of our prior monies." Last year the event garnered approximately $15,000 for Hospice of Orange and Sullivan.
“I’m excited to say this is the largest turnout in the race’s seven years,” affirmed Kane, who is the incoming president of Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties.
The mildly challenging circuit couldn't keep local running phenom Evan Waterton away as the nine-year-old Kiamesha Lake resident finished the course 11th overall and first in his age division, clocking in at 24:10.04.
“This is one of my favorites,” offered the youngster. “It’s a really nice route and the hill [at Lake Joseph Lane] made it a little tougher.” It was a family affair for the Watertons as older brother William took first place in the male 11 to 15-year-old division with a time of 26:46.02.
Fittingly, a Forestburgh resident, 17-year-old Joseph Klein, paced all runners with a time of 18:22.05, a full 20-seconds better than his closest competitor, second place finisher Ethan Seidl, 15, of Cochecton who crossed the finish line at 18:43.02. Rounding out the top three runners was Woodbourne resident Ian Kurzrock in 20:02:07. Top ladies finisher Joanna Goldfarb of Harris crossed in 22:54.06, nearly two minutes ahead of second place finisher Brittany Rupp of Forestburgh. Eugenia Korotkova was third with a time of 25:47.01.
“I can’t imagine a better cause to run for,” offered Gunther. “The amazing work these folks [Hospice of Orange and Sullivan] do each and every day to help make people's last days and moments comfortable, dignified and as pain free as possible is just incredible, and I really couldn't think of a better reason to be out here this morning."
For more information about Hospice of Orange and Sullivan, their services or to make a donation please visit their website at hospiceoforange.com. Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties is also on Facebook.
5K RUN Overall Top 10
1. Joseph Klein, Forestburgh 18:22
2. Ethan Seidl, Cochecton 18:43
3. Ian Kurzrock, Woodbourne 20:02
4. Branden Law, Liberty 20:35
5. Joanna Goldfarb, Harris 22:54
6. David O’Rourke, Forestburgh 22:59
7. Keith Scott, Parksville 23:15
8. Erik Morse, Forestburgh 23:25
9. Douglas Woods, Callicoon Ctr. 23:42
10. Nate Tompkins, Neversink 23:46
OVERALL Female
1. Joanna Goldfarb, Harris 22:54
2. Brittany Rupp, Forestburgh 24:51
3. Eugenia Korotkova 25:47
Female 1-10
1. Alexandra Deitz, Monticello 32:31
2. Faith Bld-Jackson, Monticello 34:40
3. Angel Porter, S. New Berlin 34:48
Male 1-10
1. Evan Waterton, Kiam. Lake 24:10
2. Jamar Jackson, Monticello 24:23
3. Jake Fishman, Monticello 29:58
Male 11-15
1. William Waterton, Kiam. Lake 26:46
2. Anthony Jackson, Monticello 26:51
3. Sean Pettway, Ellenville 31:53
Female 16-19
1. Angelica Diaz, Rock Hill 49:38
2. Kaitlyn Kellam 56:49
3. Stephanie Heisler, Liberty 56:50
Male 16-19
1. Brandon Law, Liberty 20:35
2. David O’Rourke, Forestburgh 22:59
3. Nate Tompkins, Neversink 23:46
Female 20-29
1. Candace Sheere 26:05
2. Alyscha Deluca, Wurtsboro 30:18
3. Kenya Jones-Brown, NYC 32:39
Male 20-29
1. Curtis Avena, Loch Sheldrake 24:24
2. Justin Tompkins, Neversink 25:42
3. Jacob Fredi 28:57
FEMALE 30-39
1. Elizabeth Dauble, Hoboken 27:07
2. Leigh-Ann Wiserman, Piermnt 27:15
3. Jennifer Swift, Rock Hill 32:20
Male 30-39
1. Erik Morse, Forestburgh 23:25
2. Jared Kaufman, Monticello 24:27
3. Chris Dauble, Orangeburg 25:32
Female 40-49
1. Sarah McBride, Pattersons 26:05
2. Erin Marrazzo 28:47
3. Tanya Cohen, Jeffersonville 31:00
Male 40-49
1. Keith Scott, Parksville 23:15
2. Alan Sorensen, Rock Hill 25:18
3. Michael Tompkins, Neversink 30:19
Female 50-59
1. Marion Harrison 40:47
2. Robin Meddaugh 44:12
3. Ruby Gold, Rock Hill 51:22
Male 50-59
1. Douglas Woods, Callicoon Ctr. 23:42
2. Steven Fishman, Forestburgh 25:40
3. Craig Parsons, Spring Valley 25:48
FEMALE 60-69
1. Eileen Wohltjen, Hurleyville 30:02
2. Joan Smith 36:16
3. Beverley Garzon, Parksville 37:01
Male 60-69
1. Emil Barbosa, Wallkill 27:57
2. Robert Dinsmore, Goshen 30:13
3. Robert Stewart, 45:58
Female 70 AND OVER
1. Victoria Greffrath, Damascus 38:07
2. Mary Heinle, WSS 39:33
Male 70-79
1. Carl Amaditz 31:37
2. Jerry Fielding, Monticello 38:09
3. Joel Fishman 41:28
Male 80 AND OVER
1. Bernard Berson, Sloatsburg 55:28
