GROSSE ILE (5/31/04) - With U.S. soldiers fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Grosse Ile Memorial Day 8K held extra importance for runners this year. "Organizers take the time to recognize veterans," said Ray Mote, a Vietnam veteran and ex-Marine who now lives in Redford. "They sing the National Anthem beforehand.

"Grosse Ile is a beautiful island and beautiful race," he said.

Fernando Joaquin, a Taylor resident who served two tours of duty in Vietnam (1967-68 and 1970-71), carried the POW-MIA flag while his brother, Ray Joaquin of Southgate, lugged the American flag. (Ray is director of the Vietnam Veterans United Annual 5K Run held in Allen Park in August.)

"We've done this race every year since mid-1980s," Ray declared.

The 8K road race, coordinated by Island Road Runners, drew 456 participants, 26 more than last year. Kyle O'Brien, 23, of Rochester captured the men's race in 24:49. Suzanne Larsen, 26, of Fenton, was women's champion in 30:40.

"I led from the gun," said O'Brien, whose 8K PR is 24:10. "I wanted to run fast, but this isn't the course for it. It's flat, but has a lot of turns that break up your momentum."

O'Brien, who is originally from Danville, Ill., beat Hansons Distance Project teammates Nick Allen, 22, of Rochester Hills (25:02) and Bob Busquaert, 29, of Rochester (25:15).

Larsen finished far ahead of runners-up Becky Rudnicki, 40, of Oregon, Ohio (32:17) and Marybeth Reader, 35, of West Bloomfield (32:46).

"I slowed down during the last half because of humidity," said Larsen.

"The race is well organized. I especially enjoyed running on the trail."

The course, mostly on paved roads, included a quarter-mile of trail midway. And it finished alongside the Detroit River.

"I really liked finishing near the river," said women's masters champ Rudnicki. Brian Olsen, 43, of Jackson, won men's over-40 honors in 27:01.

Holy Toledo! Both grand masters (ages 50 and older) champs were from that Ohio city. Sam Torres, 51, led the men with a 29:19; Kay Heinrichs, 57, the women in 37:50.

For more information, visit www.islandroadrunners.net. MR