Photo: St. Patrick's Parade Corktown races drew more than 1400 runners, walkers and kids.

DETROIT (3/12/06) - Snow? Sleet? Ice? Fahgetaboutit!

Though it took place March 12, the United Irish Societies' 24th annual St. Patrick's Parade Corktown Races enjoyed bright sunshine and a 60- degree temperature. As a result the event drew its biggest turnout ever, with more than 1,400 runners and walkers. (It had never drawn more than 1,000 participants before.)

"We had 600 people register on the day of the race," said Greg Everal, who co-directs the race with Doug Kurtis.

The great weather spawned personal records too. Anna Gaethe, 24, of Swartz Creek, cut 44 seconds from her PR, winning the women's 4-mile in 25:10.

Sydney Leah, 31, of Plymouth, led the women into the final mile. "I gave it all I had and passed her then," Gaethe said.

"I tried to go with her, but I couldn't," said Leah, who crossed second in 25:15. "I thought I might have a chance at the very end, but I wasn't close enough."

Irene Ryan, 33, of Plymouth, took third in 26:07. Last year's winner, Linda Ewing, 44, of Grosse Pointe, was masters champ and fourth overall in 26:48.

Photo: Anna Gaethe, 24, of Swartz Creek, cut 44 seconds from her PR, winning the women's 4-mile in 25:10.

Gaethe learned about the Corktown race from her coach, Gary Brimme, 40, of Swartz Creek. "I ran it last year. After finishing, I called Anna and told her it was a fantastic race," Brimme said.

"I knew Anna was going to run well today," he continued. "She's had quality workout after quality workout the last few weeks. I didn't think she would set a 44-second PR though."

Brimme won the men's masters 4-mile in 22:56, comfortably ahead of Gaethe. Well, maybe not too comfortably.

"I'm going to catch up to him one of these days," Gaethe said. Paul Aufdemberge, 41, of Redford, won the men's overall title in 20:13. Next came Andy Hass, 27, of Belleville (with a PR of 20:31) and Patrick Wehrman, 25, of Pinkney (21:13).

"I ran a marathon a couple weeks ago, so I didn't feel like I had much zip in my legs," said the veteran Aufdemberge. "Andy was always close enough behind me that I felt like I had to push."

"He's an amazing runner," said Hass of Aufdemberge. "You're glad to see him and talk to him before the race, but you kind of dread the fact that he's in it because you know you're gonna get beat."

Corktown sponsors included the Fraternal Order of United Irishmen, Total Runner, Absopure, Mizuno, Pepsi and the City of Detroit. The event was hosted by the Downtown Runners and Walkers, and the Motor City Striders. Race proceeds go to St. Patrick's Food Programs.

Complete results are available online at www.runmichigan.com. MR