As we await the recap of yesterday’s delightful Tortoise & Hare race, let’s reflect back on FLRC’s first trail race of the season: the Thom B. Trail Runs.
Last month, 126 intrepid runners toed the line at Hammond Hill State Forest for the 32nd Thom B. Trail Runs. Runners opted to tackle 8.5 miles (one loop), 17 miles (two loops), or a full marathon distance (3 loops plus an extra 0.7 miles). Lots of fabulous race photos from Jamie Love and full results may be found on the race page.
A cool, crisp morning gave way to a warm and humid day, as the marathoners began their journeys at 7:00 am while 17-mile runners and 8.5-mile runners began at 8:00 am and 9:00 am, respectively. The two aid stations on the course—one at the start/finish and the other midway through the loop—remained well stocked and finishers were able to enjoy food director Dina Maxwell’s spread of bagels, cream cheese, hummus, granola bars, veggies, watermelon, orange wedges, candy, cookies, chips, cupcakes, and plenty of water.
One-Loopers Podium (8.5 miles):
In the men’s race, Glenn Seeholzer of Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania, finished in first place, with a time of 57:50. Hot on his heels was Kristofor Norberg of Lansing, who took second in 58:02, less than a minute ahead of Mike Surrena of Ithaca, who finished third with a time of 58:58.
In the women’s race, Nora McIver-Sheridan of Ithaca defended her 2023 title with a blazing fast time of 1:04:08. In an exciting finish, Julie Barclay of Groton crossed the finish line next in 1:19:35, just two seconds ahead of third-place finisher Cecelia Madsen of Ithaca.
Two-Loopers Podium (17 miles):
The women dominated the 17-mile race. Ithaca’s Chelsea Benson was first overall to cross the line, taking the tape in a time of 2:13:14. Donna Langerfeld of Port Byron was the second overall finisher, coming across in 2:20:12. Brenda Osovski finished in 2:56:31, taking home third place in the women’s race.
In the men’s race, Mark Perry of Ithaca took first place with a time of 2:27:59. Coming in about 10 minutes later was Bjarke Refslund of Aarhus, who finished in 2:38:39. Dan Dofton of Vestal took third with a time of 3:16:51.
Three-Loopers-Plus-Baby-Loop Podium (Marathon):
In the men’s race, 2023 winner and course record holder Jamal Diboun once again took first with a time of 3:44:11. Audun Dahl of Ithaca finished a strong second in 3:50:27, and Ithaca’s Josh Nogaret edged out Banyan Love by 3 seconds to take third in a time of 3:57:04.
In the women’s race, Diana Hackett of Ithaca took the win in 5:08:57. Second-place finisher Heather Moldofsky of Cohocton crossed the line less than two minutes later, in a time of 5:10:32. Rebecca Townsend of Marilla took third in 5:57:42.
Podium finishers in all three races won cupcakes baked by FLRC’s Amy Dawson.
Thanks to those who make it all possible
No FLRC event would be possible without our amazing volunteers! Thanks to all those who generously gave their time to make this year’s Thom B a success. Dan Scales and Bob Talda arrived early to help set up. Inger Aaberg and Crosby Woods ably managed the bib pickup table. Adam Engst served as head timer, with help from Heather Cobb, Bob Talda, and Crosby Woods. Food director Dina Maxwell provided a bountiful post-race spread. Ian Golden and Dennis Stadelman served up drinks and encouragement at the Star Stanton Aid Station, while Jamie Love snapped photos along the course. David Rossiter and Dan Verderosa swept the course, and Eric Sambolec and Gerrit Van Loon stuck around to help clean up.
The Thom B Trail Runs are part of the FLRC Trail Circuit, and results are now reflected in the annual Pebblehead/Stonehead/Boulderhead leaderboard.
Congratulations to all finishers, and until next year, happy trails to all!
~ Joel Cisne and Gary McCheyne, Race Directors