Innovative Edge/GVH 23rd R.T. Turkey Run 5M

Mendon Ponds Park, NY, November 25, 2000

Race Report/Divisional Winners

Results courtesy of the Genessee Valley Harriers.

The 23rd Annual R.T. Turkey Run was held under less than ideal conditions on Saturday, November 25, 2000 at Mendon Ponds Park. Although the day of race weather featured a cloudy, dry, 40 degree day, the snow cover slowed down most runners. Race Director Bill Quinlisk decided to run the race over the traditional course, which includes one mile of off-road trail in spite of several inches of snow still covering the path. This made for some slow going and certainly contributed greatly to the slow times overall in this year's event.

Men's champion Jason Urckfitz (Churchville-Chili HS and R.I.T.) was a comfortable 41 second winner over the runner-up, defending champ Chris Rizzo. Jason's time of 29:07.6 was the slowest winning time in the history of the race. Women's winner Suzy West (Harley HS) was visiting her parents for the Thanksgiving holiday from her home in Putney, Vermont and certainly made the visit a memorable one. Her 8th place overall finish destroyed the women's field. Her winning time of 32:06.5 indicated how formidable a runner she would be on a dry course. Stephen Feuer led the Master's men by finishing 9th overall in 32:46. Alida Merrill led the Master's women finishers in 32nd place with a time of 39:18.

Thanks go to Race Director Bill Quinlisk and his helpers Ben Metcalf, Jim Glinsky, Rick Worner, Farmington's Dave Smith, Leslie Johnson and R.I.T Coach Dave Warth for their fine job of race management. In a surprise announcement, Quinlisk hinted that next year would probably be the last year that he directs the R.T. Turkey Run. This could mean the end of the oldest continuous race held in Monroe County unless another director steps forward. Genesee Valley Harrier founder Peter Glavin was unavailable for comment.

Men's Overall Champion: Jason Urckfitz 29:07.6

Men's Age Group Winners

14/under Anthony VanderJagt 40:49 15-19 Dave Hryvniak 31:26 20-29 Chris Rizzo 29:49 30-34 Pietro Michellucci 32:02 35-39 Dave Bischoff 30:08 40-44 Stephen Feuer 32:46 45-49 Matt Degma 34:59 50-54 Kevin Shaw 37:12 55-59 Tom Thompson 37:05 60-69 Dick Telarico 38:52 70+ Bill Pow 54:32

Women's Overall Champion: Suzy West 32:06.5

Women's Age Group Winners

14/under Katherine Hopkins 46:39 15-19 Christine BelGiorno 41:19 20-24 Rosie Coleman 36:42 25-29 Suzanne Hill 39:30 30-34 Michelle Swagler 44:56 35-39 Christine Kozik 37:47 40-44 Alida Merrill 39:18 45-49 Amy Levinn 48:28 50+ Gail Gaskin 44:28