CUTLERVILLE (6/7/03) -- You know you are in a fast 5K when:

-- 15:59 earns you only ninth place in your age group. -- A three-time Olympian, 41, is just eighth-place master.

The latter was Brian Diemer's fate in his 14th-annual namesake race. The 1984 steeplechase bronze-medalist finished a twisting course through his hometown in 16:45 -- not bad for an "old man" who gave up competitive running years ago. But he had to buy 29 donuts nonetheless.

Among come-ons for the Diemer Amerikam 5K is its namesake purchases pastries for all who beat him. Another is the $6,500 purse, including $500 each for male and female open and masters winners. Fast times, plus the need to reload on carbos, are guaranteed.

Wisconsin's Matt Thull, second here last summer to Kyle Baker, led this year's field of 396 (up from 373) with a sizzling 14:21, 24 seconds faster than Ian Forsyth of Ann Arbor.

The women's race on this runner-friendly, overcast day was tighter, with Rachel Graybill (17:47) holding off Janet Becker (17:54) and Andrea Lubberts (18:04).

Defending-champs Betsy Frens and Baker did not compete.

The top masters donut went to Mike Scannell of Grand Blanc (15:11). Ron Zywicki of Traverse City crossed second in 15:40.

Laura Vroon of Wyoming (18:15) led the over-age-40 women. Cadillac's Laurie Decker -- who'd run her first-ever marathon, Bayshore, two weeks earlier -- was runnerup in 18:40.

For the record, it was Holland's Jonathan Langworthy, 21, who ran sub-16:00 and placed only ninth among males ages 19-24.

But his post-race pastry was no less sweet.

Complete results available online at www.classicrace.com. MR