In what was arguably the closest finish in the history of the Bucks
5K Series, Todd Wiley held off a ferocious dash by Kevin Cooke to win
by less than 1 second at the Doylestown 5K on May 26th. Todd, of
Doylestown, is the current course record holder (15:20) and has won
this race in 3 of the last 5 years. Kevin, also from Doylestown, has
just locked up the 2007 Bucks 5K Series men's championship.

On a hot day in downtown Doylestown, Wiley finished in 16:24, with
Cooke timed at 16:25.

Laura Fanelli (Chalfont) won the women's division. Laura has been
unbeatable this year, having won all of the first five Bucks 5K
Series races. She has also clinched the Series women's
championship. Fanelli's time was 18:54. Second place went to 16
year-old Sarah Simonetti (Perkasie), with a time of 20:04.

With the high school track season at an end, it was truly a day for
the teenagers. There were 6 among the top 10 overall finishers, with
times between 17:03 and 18:01. C.J. Davies (Doylestown and CB West)
finished 3rd overall in a time of 17:03.

More than 600 athletes entered the 5K race, 1-mile fun run and 2-mile
fitness walk. They and more than 1000 spectators enjoyed the "Red,
White, and Blue" morning. The day was complete with live
entertainment, a drummer on the course, pre-race warm-ups, two
renditions of the National Anthem, joint singing of "America the
Beautiful", and a spirited post race awards ceremony in Printer's
Alley.

Deena Andrus (Reading) took both female master's and the age-graded
master's honors with a time of 20:43 and a 75% rating, respectively.
Carl Goldschmidt did the same in the men's division. His finishing
time was 17:54 and his age-graded rating was 79%.

Again this year, the Adamsky family of athletes showed their speed.
Brian (19:58), Rick (20:02), Tim (20:25), Greg (21:28), and Susanne
(24:45) all finished among the top 10 in their age groups.

The competition in the age groups was high. The closest was in men's
40-44. Only 23 seconds separated Matt Waight (Pipersville), Antonio
De Vido (Doylestown), and Rick Mc Garry (Doylestown). They had times
of 18:05, 18:21, and 18:28, respectively.

The tightest women's race was for the 20-24 group awards. Grace
Giles (Skillman, NJ), Jody Frank (Kintnersville), Sienna Frank
(Warrington) were separated by 32 seconds, with times of 23:15,
23:24, and 23:47, respectively.

For complete race results and the current Series standings, log on to
www.bucks5kseries.com. You can also register for the next 2 races on
the same site.

The Chalfont Challenge will run though the streets of Chalfont on
June 9th. Come help celebrate the Borough's 106th birthday and
support their Parks and Trails programs. There will be music,
exhibits and giveaways, plus Chalfont's regular complement of good
food. Register before June 2 and enjoy the lower registration fee.


Dick Patterson