At the Races

Charlottesville Catholic School All-Terrain 5K

October 8, 2005

One of the heaviest downpours in recent memory drenched the participants during the 4th running of this popular fun run.  In fact, many veterans claimed that it was the worst rainfall they had ever raced in!  Every finisher was soaked and mud drenched from head to toe as they dragged their water logged running shoes into the chutes.

Despite the challenging conditions, over 125 hearty souls participated and most commented that they had a fun time sloshing through huge puddles and newly created rivers along the course.  CTC ace Chris Samley (18:49) notched another victory as he out legged Mike Toth by less than 10 seconds.  Ten Miler and Four Miler champ Nicola Ratcliffe was the first woman across the line as she clocked an impressive 22:37 over the hilly and soggy course.  Other CTC times of note were turned in by Wendell Golden, Kevin Cox, Rollin Stanton, Don Mathes, Richard Young, Pam Balcke, Bill Balcke, Jonathan Mathes, and George Gillies. 

Thanks to the support of the participants and sponsors the CCS was able to raise funds for our area Hospice.  Several CTC members assisted Race Director Barb Woodsmall in volunteering, including Bob Wilder and Carol Finch. 

October 9, 2004

The Charlottesville Catholic School once again hosted one of the more unique and fun events of the fall, a true blend of road and x-country as close to 125 runners tested their running skills over the paved hills of Pen Park and the soft surface of the Meadowcreek trails along the banks of the Rivanna.

CTC master’s speedster Chris Samley continued his hot racing as he hammered home an impressive 53 second win as he clocked a lickety split 17:52 over this very challenging course.  CTC member Pete Runge finished 3rd overall in 20:09.  CTC members Yvonne Woodsmall (21:46) and Leisa Gonella (21:57) battled it out for the 2nd and 3rd overall spot in the women’s category, both very impressive times for this uphill finish.

The course, which starts and finished on the grounds of the Charlottesville Catholic School, winds down through Pen Park to the paths that border the lower part of the Meadowcreek Golf Course before turning the runners around and heading back up the long, continuous hill to the school.

CTC members turned out in mass to help support director, Barb Woodsmall in her efforts to organize an excellent run.  Dave Lasch, Leisa Gonella, Bob Wilder and Carol Finch were jus a few of the CTC folks that volunteered at the finish line.

Another contingency of CTC members scored good efforts in the race.  Pam Balcke, Scott Smith, Armand Zambardi, Jim Bell, Randy Huffman, Richard Young, Abigail Gillies, Jonathan Mathes, Mary Dittmar, Virginia Dittmar and Jed Dittmar all fared well over the hills of this chameleon course.

October 11, 2003

The 2nd edition of this unique combo run was another local hit as close to 150 competitors traversed the paved roads and cross country trails at Pen Park. The overcast and chilly morning was the perfect backdrop for good racing and despite the challenging terrain, many of the runners scored excellent times.

Several CTC runners crossed the finish line in good form including John Eros, Pam Balcke, Richard Young, Rollin Stanton, Joe Souter, Mary Chase and Mary Kate Smith, Rich Barrett and Sophie Speidel who was the first woman across the finish line.

CCS’s Barb Woodsmall once again organized a smooth race and she was assisted by a fine corps of CTC volunteers including Leisa Gonella, Tom Scala, Jim Bell, Dr. Bob Wilder, Bette Dzamba, Carol Finch and Dave Lasch.