Dear Ms. McCafferty,

In the most-recent issue of Michigan Runner, you wrote, "Jim Carlton, who run in all 11 events, topped fellow senior Gerard Malaczynski in age-graded standings at each of the five events they both entered."

The facts are different. We met in six series events, with the following results:

1. Borgess Half-Marathon - He won, I was second.

2. Fifth Third River Bank Run 25K - I won, he was second.

3. Volkslaufe 20k - He won, I was second.

4. Crim Festival of Races, 10-mile - I was second, he was third.

5. Kensington Challenge 5K - I won, he was second.

6. Detroit Free Press Marathon - I won, he was second.

Since I am about half a year older than Jim, age grading does not change the scoring. The facts are I beat him four times, he beat me twice.

I am not questioning Jim's achievement. He earned the Senior Male Runner of the Year title collecting more points than anyone else, and deserves it. Jim and I are good friends and he was my role model when I started running at age 51. It took me two seasons before I beat him the first time. Every time we see each other at the start line, we both know the winning won't be easy. However, I doubt he needs incorrect data to support his excellence.

Gerard Malaczynski, Bloomfield Hills

Mr. Malaczynski is correct. Mr. Carlton ran more series events to earn more points. * Jennie McCafferty