48 runners participated in the 21st annual Bear Swamp Run on July 8, the largest field for this race in many years. The race was held on a cool Thursday evening. In past years, the race was held on Saturday morning but, given the turnout, it appears having the event on a weekday evening is a more popular choice. Dave Birse of New Hampshire and local stalwart Dot Martin were the overall male and female winners of the 5.7 mile race.
This was the ninth year the Central Vermont Runners have sponsored this low key, fun event along with the Middlesex Recreation Committee. The race is most notable for its hills and rustic nature. The loop course climbs 450 feet in the first 2 1/2 miles, and then is mostly flat or downhill for the remaining three plus miles. Many thanks to Norm Robinson for providing invaluable assistance. Thanks also to the Middlesex Recreation Committee for arranging to have the school open. -- Tim Noonan, Race Director
RESULTS
Female 13-29 Carla Provost 48.41 Margaret Edmonds 50:54 Pratima Cranse 52:20 Shelly Smith 59:06 Meghan Farrington 65:26 Female 30-39 Dot Martin 38:04 Laura Medalie 43:51 Lori Lacroix 44:02 Alicia Leahy 46:01 Maryke Gillis 52:39 Female 40-49 Donna Smyers 39:40 Ann Gilbert 40:13 Merill Cray 43:16 Kathy Barrows 43:56 Carol Van Dyke 45:34 Nance Smith 48:08 Ann Bushey 52:46 Hope Crifo 56:08 Female 50-59 Elizabeth Meiklejohn 55:18 Norleen Jones 56:59 Male 13-29 Daniel Scheidt 38:03 Eric Cole-Johnson 39:14 Chris Wilkins 39:33 Steven Bell 40:03 Male 30-39 Dave Kissner 37:37 Dick Millar 37:48 Tim Kruger 38:48 Mack Gardner-Morse 39:51 Matthew Czaplinski 40:06 Doug Mann 45:07 Male 40-49 Dave Birse 35:27 Steve Burkholder 36:13 John Valentine 36:49 Jamie Shanley 36:49 Mike Gillis 38:27 Eric Ryea 39:11 Pete Kelly 40:55 Charles Evans 41:17 Charles Merriman 41:27 John Dunkling 42:39 Nekoma Cheyenne 42:54 Neil Van Dyke 43:25 John Martin 44:39 Male 50-59 Bob Murphy 42:56 Jim McWilliam 45:26 William Jones 56:59 Roger Cranse 66:15 Male 60+ Bob Mercier 49:10