Run Like the Dickens? When It's This Cold, You Better!
By Charles Douglas McEwen
HOLLY (12/13/08) -- They wore thick scarves, stocking caps and layers of clothing, yet no matter how warmly they dressed, they still had incentive to run fast at Run Like the Dickens.
With temperature in the teens and wind chill in single digits, the event had its most teeth-chattering weather in its six-year history. Yet it continues to grow and flourish.
A total of 898 runners and walkers competed in the 5K and 10K, a 5-percent increase over last year’s record turnout. Fun also included a Tiny Tim Trot for youngsters.
The 10K marked a step up from last year’s 8K. Nick Stanko, 27, of Laingsburg, wasn’t bothered by the added distance nor cold weather. “I actually worked up a pretty good sweat,” he said.
Stanko won in 32:05, topping Nathan Peters, 19, of Ann Arbor, second in 33:30. Steve Menovcik, 40, of Grand Ledge, was the masters champ in 35:15.
“The wind was at you quite a bit in the last two miles,” Stanko said. “It was cold but not horrible.”
Suzanne Larsen, 31, of Fenton loved the race but didn’t enjoy the weather. “I hate it,” she said. “I’d take 90 degrees over this any day.”
Larsen was women’s winner in 37:43. Sara Gerhardt, 20, of Macomb, took second in 39:19. Lisa Veneziano, 44, of Fenton, paced the masters in 41:10.
Dickens proceeds went to local youth running programs, including Holly High School track teams.
“I’m totally stoked that they were able to raise money for the track program,” Larsen said. “The Holly students were all out there, helping with the race.
“(Race director) Rob Basydlo puts on an awesome event,” she continued. “It’s got to be awesome for me to come when it’s 15 degrees outside.
Basydlo, 42, of Highland, not only organized the race, he was masters 5K winner in 18:32.
Shane Logan, 30, of Lake Orion, was first overall in the 5K, crossing in 16:44. Next came Matthew Wallace, 17, of Fenton, in 17:19.
“I could hear footsteps behind me the whole way. That pushed me,” Logan said.
The wind prevented any last-ditch rallies, Wallace said. “It came at you from all directions. Any skin exposed stung like a wasp. The air was so cold it burnt your lungs, but after a while you got used to that.”
Molly Brinker, 32, of Clarkston, is getting used to winning the women’s 5K, prevailing for the second straight year in 19:51. Although she fell short of her 19:35 personal record set last year, she still won handily over Brook Handler, 15, of Rochester (20:12).
Jane Sanders, 53, of White Lake was the top woman master in 21:46.
The bravest of the brave did the 5K walk on this frosty morning. Winners were were Johnny Olsey, 55, of Clio (29:50) and Lori Lynn Lindquist, 42, of Montrose (30:18).
For complete race results, go to http://www.runlikethedickens.com.
