MILFORD (9/4/04) - Paul Aufdemberge, winner of the 1999 Around the Bay 30K in Hamilton, Ont., added the Milford Labor Day 30K to his long list of victories.

Aufdemberge, 39, of Redford, won in 1:41:36, well shy of the 1:36:27 he managed five years ago. But the Michigan course is hillier.

"Milford has a lot of dirt roads," said Aufdemberge. "It's a good challenge if you're preparing for a fall marathon."

Nathan Usher, 21, of Lansing, took second in 1:43:15. David VanderMeer, 26, of Wyoming, placed third in 1:45:54.

Usher, who will graduate from Michigan State University in December, led early. "I caught him a little after 10K," said Aufdemberge. "We ran together through 13 miles, then I pulled away from him."

"It was warm and foggy at the beginning," said Usher. "My glasses misted up. I could barely see."

Ann Stewart, 40, of Ann Arbor, 2003 women's runnerup, won this year in 2:04:14.

"It's a beautiful course," said Stewart. "A 30K at this time of year could be rough, but the course is well shaded."

Krys Brish, 41, of Milford, improved from third in 2003 to second with a 2:20:52. Cecilia Bryz, 55, of South Lyon, captured third in 2:22:58.

Brish never entertained thoughts of catching Stewart. "She's amazing," said Brish of the women's champion. "I can't believe how fast she runs hills. There were lots of hills."

For the first time, the Labor Day 30K awarded $500 to the overall male and female winners, $200 to second-place finishers, and $100 to third place finishers. For complete results, visit michiganrunner.net. MR