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Sunday. October 18, 2009
Andover, NJ
Tim Paziora Outpaces Field in 8 Mile Trail Run
Former Pope John Runner, Tim Paziora raced through a muddy Kittitiny Valley State Park to win the Hot
Chili 8 Mile Trail run. Paziora Finished in 46 minutes. For complete results, see the reults section on
RacingNJ!
Weds. August 26, 2009
Roselle, NJ
Darrell Gooding Wins Final Race of Series
Darrell Gooding, from Franklin High School, was the overall winner of the last race in the Warinanco park
Summer XC series. Darrel Covered the course in 16:59, the fastest finish by a high schooler in the
series this year. Darrell is following in the footsteps of his brother, Hilton, who recently joined the
powerhouse NJIT XC squad for their first year competing at the NCAA Division I level.
On the women's side, Erica Manley, took first overall in 21:28. Erica outdistanced the other 33 High
School aged females that decided to take in the race as a tune-up for their upcoming season.
Rudolfo Mendez took home the overall series winner baeds on total points earned during the series.
Rudolfo won two of the races and placed first in his age group in all but one race.
Much thanks goes to the the many volunteers that made the series successful. Racing NJ and Roselle
Catholic High School greatly appreciated the hard work of all. 100% of the net proceeds will benefit
RCHS.
August 12, 2009
Roselle, NJ
Mendez Outkicks Mykytok in Thriller Finish
Rufino Mendez covered the 5K course in 17:24 to win the 3rd race of the Warinanco Park Summer XC
series. In doing so, he out kicked a spry Mike Mykytok, who 21 years earlier ran the fastest recorded time
in history on the course. Morgan Reinhart (Fords, NJ) won the women's division with a time of 23:00.
At 6:15, race director, Al Siuta, reminded Rufino Mendez that a win would all but clinch the overall series
victory for him. And then he introduced Rufino to Mike Mykytok, former national 10 mile champion with
PR's for the 5K under 14 minutes, and the holder of the fastest recorded time in history on the Warinanco
course. (He ran 15:28 in 1988 while in High School).
But this was an older Mykytok with ailing knees. A torn meniscus (to be addressed in the near future)
and arthritis that he deals with every time he laces up his shoes. He came to the race as a favor for the
race director, and because he thought it would be fun to run the course again.
Mike ran the first part of his warm-up with his wife, Grace. Then, like most good runners, he slid into his
zone and started to visualize his race and prepare himself mentally. For those that know Mike (who has
a degree in the Classics and has had two of his own books published), the visualization he did probably
included him seeing himself on the starting line atop a winged white horse and carrying a sword in his
hand; and getting ready to do battle versus an array of demons and villains.
When Mike was introduced to the gathering of runners on the starting line, he was greeted with a nice
round of applause. For me it was interesting to watch as Mike smiled, then looked over his shoulder
towards the course he was about to try to "Push Through". Mike looked as focused as he did 21 years
prior when he ran the fastest time in history as a high schooler from Bound Brook, NJ. He looked toward
me and nodded, as if to say, "Ok, let's do this."
Rufino Mendez went through the mile in 5:18, with Mykytok back at about 5:35. Mendez was running
faster than he had in his previous two races with Mykytok, the seasoned veteren following. At two miles,
Mendez had built his lead to about 22 seconds going past the 2 mile in 10:45. During the third mile,
Mykytok started to drive harder and the gap started to close. With 600 meters left Mykytok caught Mendez
but faded over the last 100 meters to finish three seconds behind Mendez's 17:24 winning time.
What was most interesting was that at the moment Mykytok caught Mendez, the sky became cloudy and
very dark. it was almost instantaneous. It sent people running for their coats and umbrellas, thinking the
heavens were about to open up and rain down upon them. And as the sky grew dark, Mykytok started to
struggle, almost as if someone, or something, was holding him back. I mentioned this to Mike and he
smiled and said, "Maybe I've been cursed". I don't know what he meant by this, but judging from the grin
on his face, he had a reason for saying it. We'll have to stay tuned for the answer.
Mike's first book was "Pushing Through" and is based on his high school and college running
experiences. His second book, "Bloodhunt" picks up where the first left off and has a darker storyline to
go with it.
Weds. July 15, 2009
Roselle, NJ
Catalano Demolishes Warinanco Park XC Series Record
Former Roselle Catholic standout and recent West Point graduate, Andrew Catalano, recorded the
fastest time in the series history this past Wednesday by clocking 16:07 on the High School 5K XC course
at Warinanco Park. Catalano made the trek from West Point to and arrived only 15 minutes before race
time. After a brief warm up, Andrew toed the familiar starting line along with 63 other runners on a
beautiful, warm evening. At the mile mark, Andrew was running side by side with Charlie Murphy from
Short Hills NJ. They both went through the mile in 5:10. Catalano picked it up during the second mile,
passing the 2 mile mark in 10:15.
The winner of the women's division was Erin Hannen from Cranford, NJ. Erin crossed the line in 20.49,
only 8 seconds off the course record set two weeks earlier by Caroline Williams.
Running mates, Rodrigo Caceres (17:44) and Rufino Mendez (18:01), placed third and fourth,
respectively. Mendez ran below his previous series record time by 40 seconds!
Three Sneaker factory Running Camp Registrations were given away at this race. The lucky recipients
were Becky and Justin Turlip from Dunnelen, and William Lennon from Wayne, NJ. Chrislle Butcher,
from Stockholm, NJ received a free registration to the X-treme Running Camp. Andrew Catalano, the
race winner, attended the X-treme Running Camp during his high school career.
July 1, 2009
Roselle, NJ
Great Start for the Warinanco Park XC Series
You have to believe the series is destined for success. Heavy thunderstorms were in the forecast for the
evening of Wednesday, July 1st. They never developed. In fact, the 40+ runners that assembled for the
first race were met with calm weather and beautiful blue skies.
The race took off during the seventh inning stretch of the recreation softball game that was in progress
on an adjacent ballfield. The umpire called time out and gave the starter the "go ahead signal" to begin
the race. A few moments later, the runners were off to the applause and cheers of both softball teams
and their fans (as well as to the support of the XC fans that had shown up).
The eventual winners of the the 5K event were Rufino Mendez from Elizabeth (for the male division in a
time of 18:48) and Caroline Williams from Westfield (for the female division in a time of 20:41). Both
received prizes donated by one of the sponsors. Age group awards were given to the top 3 male and
female runners in the 14 and under, 15-19, and every in 10 year increments from 20 through 60+ years of
age.
Andover, NJ
Tim Paziora Outpaces Field in 8 Mile Trail Run
Former Pope John Runner, Tim Paziora raced through a muddy Kittitiny Valley State Park to win the Hot
Chili 8 Mile Trail run. Paziora Finished in 46 minutes. For complete results, see the reults section on
RacingNJ!
Weds. August 26, 2009
Roselle, NJ
Darrell Gooding Wins Final Race of Series
Darrell Gooding, from Franklin High School, was the overall winner of the last race in the Warinanco park
Summer XC series. Darrel Covered the course in 16:59, the fastest finish by a high schooler in the
series this year. Darrell is following in the footsteps of his brother, Hilton, who recently joined the
powerhouse NJIT XC squad for their first year competing at the NCAA Division I level.
On the women's side, Erica Manley, took first overall in 21:28. Erica outdistanced the other 33 High
School aged females that decided to take in the race as a tune-up for their upcoming season.
Rudolfo Mendez took home the overall series winner baeds on total points earned during the series.
Rudolfo won two of the races and placed first in his age group in all but one race.
Much thanks goes to the the many volunteers that made the series successful. Racing NJ and Roselle
Catholic High School greatly appreciated the hard work of all. 100% of the net proceeds will benefit
RCHS.
August 12, 2009
Roselle, NJ
Mendez Outkicks Mykytok in Thriller Finish
Rufino Mendez covered the 5K course in 17:24 to win the 3rd race of the Warinanco Park Summer XC
series. In doing so, he out kicked a spry Mike Mykytok, who 21 years earlier ran the fastest recorded time
in history on the course. Morgan Reinhart (Fords, NJ) won the women's division with a time of 23:00.
At 6:15, race director, Al Siuta, reminded Rufino Mendez that a win would all but clinch the overall series
victory for him. And then he introduced Rufino to Mike Mykytok, former national 10 mile champion with
PR's for the 5K under 14 minutes, and the holder of the fastest recorded time in history on the Warinanco
course. (He ran 15:28 in 1988 while in High School).
But this was an older Mykytok with ailing knees. A torn meniscus (to be addressed in the near future)
and arthritis that he deals with every time he laces up his shoes. He came to the race as a favor for the
race director, and because he thought it would be fun to run the course again.
Mike ran the first part of his warm-up with his wife, Grace. Then, like most good runners, he slid into his
zone and started to visualize his race and prepare himself mentally. For those that know Mike (who has
a degree in the Classics and has had two of his own books published), the visualization he did probably
included him seeing himself on the starting line atop a winged white horse and carrying a sword in his
hand; and getting ready to do battle versus an array of demons and villains.
When Mike was introduced to the gathering of runners on the starting line, he was greeted with a nice
round of applause. For me it was interesting to watch as Mike smiled, then looked over his shoulder
towards the course he was about to try to "Push Through". Mike looked as focused as he did 21 years
prior when he ran the fastest time in history as a high schooler from Bound Brook, NJ. He looked toward
me and nodded, as if to say, "Ok, let's do this."
Rufino Mendez went through the mile in 5:18, with Mykytok back at about 5:35. Mendez was running
faster than he had in his previous two races with Mykytok, the seasoned veteren following. At two miles,
Mendez had built his lead to about 22 seconds going past the 2 mile in 10:45. During the third mile,
Mykytok started to drive harder and the gap started to close. With 600 meters left Mykytok caught Mendez
but faded over the last 100 meters to finish three seconds behind Mendez's 17:24 winning time.
What was most interesting was that at the moment Mykytok caught Mendez, the sky became cloudy and
very dark. it was almost instantaneous. It sent people running for their coats and umbrellas, thinking the
heavens were about to open up and rain down upon them. And as the sky grew dark, Mykytok started to
struggle, almost as if someone, or something, was holding him back. I mentioned this to Mike and he
smiled and said, "Maybe I've been cursed". I don't know what he meant by this, but judging from the grin
on his face, he had a reason for saying it. We'll have to stay tuned for the answer.
Mike's first book was "Pushing Through" and is based on his high school and college running
experiences. His second book, "Bloodhunt" picks up where the first left off and has a darker storyline to
go with it.
Weds. July 15, 2009
Roselle, NJ
Catalano Demolishes Warinanco Park XC Series Record
Former Roselle Catholic standout and recent West Point graduate, Andrew Catalano, recorded the
fastest time in the series history this past Wednesday by clocking 16:07 on the High School 5K XC course
at Warinanco Park. Catalano made the trek from West Point to and arrived only 15 minutes before race
time. After a brief warm up, Andrew toed the familiar starting line along with 63 other runners on a
beautiful, warm evening. At the mile mark, Andrew was running side by side with Charlie Murphy from
Short Hills NJ. They both went through the mile in 5:10. Catalano picked it up during the second mile,
passing the 2 mile mark in 10:15.
The winner of the women's division was Erin Hannen from Cranford, NJ. Erin crossed the line in 20.49,
only 8 seconds off the course record set two weeks earlier by Caroline Williams.
Running mates, Rodrigo Caceres (17:44) and Rufino Mendez (18:01), placed third and fourth,
respectively. Mendez ran below his previous series record time by 40 seconds!
Three Sneaker factory Running Camp Registrations were given away at this race. The lucky recipients
were Becky and Justin Turlip from Dunnelen, and William Lennon from Wayne, NJ. Chrislle Butcher,
from Stockholm, NJ received a free registration to the X-treme Running Camp. Andrew Catalano, the
race winner, attended the X-treme Running Camp during his high school career.
July 1, 2009
Roselle, NJ
Great Start for the Warinanco Park XC Series
You have to believe the series is destined for success. Heavy thunderstorms were in the forecast for the
evening of Wednesday, July 1st. They never developed. In fact, the 40+ runners that assembled for the
first race were met with calm weather and beautiful blue skies.
The race took off during the seventh inning stretch of the recreation softball game that was in progress
on an adjacent ballfield. The umpire called time out and gave the starter the "go ahead signal" to begin
the race. A few moments later, the runners were off to the applause and cheers of both softball teams
and their fans (as well as to the support of the XC fans that had shown up).
The eventual winners of the the 5K event were Rufino Mendez from Elizabeth (for the male division in a
time of 18:48) and Caroline Williams from Westfield (for the female division in a time of 20:41). Both
received prizes donated by one of the sponsors. Age group awards were given to the top 3 male and
female runners in the 14 and under, 15-19, and every in 10 year increments from 20 through 60+ years of
age.
Racing NJ News !
| Albert J. Siuta Titusville, NJ 08560 |
Updated 10/18
Updated 10/18