Dry sunny conditions, along with a brisk wind, were the setting as more than 160 runners headed from downtown Warner to the 2900’ summit of Kearsarge. Paul Low (CMS/Polar) picked up where he left off last week with his victory at Wachusett. Paul was never challenge as he took a minute plus victory over his nearest competitor. Paul’s time is the 10th fastest run (and sixth fastest individual), behind only CMS/Polar teammates Richard Bolt, Dan Verrington, Craig Fram (ex-CMS), Eric Morse, and Dave Dunham. Newcomers Joshua Ferenc (Keene NH) and Kevin Tilton (Conway NH – CMS/Polar) both broke into the top ten individuals with their 2nd and 3rd place finishes. They had an excellent race, finishing only 15 seconds apart. Joshua is now the 8th fastest individual and Kevin is the 9th fastest. Kevin came in just ahead of former US Mountain team runner, Mike Casner’s 1996 time of 54:39. USATF NE Mountain circuit co-coordinator Rich Bolt (CMS/Polar) finished 5th overall and noted, “it is great to see some younger guys coming to the circuit races” as places 2-4 were each 22 years old.

On the ladies side, Kelli Lusk (CMS/Polar) ran an incredible course record of 1:03:40. Her time was 50 seconds faster than US Mountain and 100K team member Nikki Kimball’s 2002 winning time. Kelli ran away with the race beating Team Gloucester’s Jenn Brooks-Lassen by over 7 minutes. Donna Smyth (CSU) won the 40+ competition with the 2nd fastest time for a master. Donna’s time is only topped by Suzy West’s CR of 1:08:34 from last year. The field of master’s was quite strong as Helen Bradler (MRM) and Cheryl Wallace took 2nd and 3rd making the top individuals list in 8th and 10th. Mark Pitt’s (Moose Milers) took the men’s victory with the 7th fastest time.

The men’s 50+ competition featured a solid win by Rob Higley (WMAC). Rob’s time was the 2nd fastest ever run, behind only the phenomenal time of 58:54 by Keith Woodward. Len Hall, who has 3 of the top 40+ times, took 2nd with the 5th fastest time, in his first season in the 50+ category. Bob Mulvaney (Moose Milers) and Richard Stockdale (Gate City) took 3rd and 4th with times that put them 7th and 8th on the best times list. Pam Hall took the ladies competition with a stunning 1:15:42 CR. Pam was 4 minutes under the previous record.

Eldon Burkinshaw (Gate City) took the 60+ competition by 2 minutes over Bob Wright. The ladies 60+ went uncontested, however the indomitable Barbara Robinson (owner of all of the top five 60+ times) won the 70+ division with a 1:34:10. Her time was the 5th fastest for a 60+.