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WILKES-BARRE — Nathan Ridgley scored a wire-to-wire victory and Karen Moskel won top female honors in the 6th annual Max Fine Memorial 5K Run on Sunday at the Jewish Community Center.
Ridgley, a 15-year-old freshman from Pittston Area High School, crossed the finish line in 18 minutes and 44 seconds. Ridgley, who runs cross country and track for the Patriots, outran second-place finisher, Bryan Herbst, of Mountain Top, by 17 seconds. Doug Powell, of Moosic, finished third, 27 seconds behind Herbst.
“I went out fast right from the start,” Ridgley said. “I settled into a good, even pace after the first mile. I pulled away between the second and third mile. I hammered the home stretch and finished strong.”
Moskel, 38, of Kingston, won the female division of the race in 22 minutes. The Susquehanna Prep cross country coach outraced second-place finisher, Jaclyn Rawlings, of Forty Fort, by 17 seconds. Brenda Karavitch, of Shavertown, finished third, eight seconds behind Rawlings.
“I didn’t see any of the usual favorite ladies here today,” Moskel said. “So I just stayed with the other female leaders over the first mile. I pulled away after the first mile and was never challenged after that.”
Moskel was at the race in the capacity of training coach for the Lady Striders organization known as “Couch to 5K” a group of women focused on getting up and moving and working toward racing in 5Ks.
“So winning here today was a bonus,” she said.
The women from “Couch to 5K” meet on top of the dike at Rutter Ave. and Church St. in Kingston for their training runs. Their next meetings is on May 8. Women interested in the next training session may register on the Lady Striders web site.
The Max Fine Memorial raises funds for muscular dystrophy. Fine died from the disease in 2011 at age 61.
Notes: Times Leader news editor, Joe Soprano, continued his triathlon training at the race capturing first place in the 50-59 age group.
6th annual Max Fine Memorial 5K Run results
Top 3 overall male award winners
Nathan Ridgley, 15, Pittston, 18:44
Bryan Herbst, 35-39, Mountain Top, 19:01
Doug Powell, 50-59, Moosic, 19:28
Male age group winners: 14 & under: 1. Jon Renfer, 20:34. 15-19: 1. James Gabbiotti, 28:26. 30-34: 1. Ryan Anthony, 34:47. 35-39: 1. Chris Banks, 23:32; 2. Chuck Mongagna, 26:46. Masters division: 40-49: 1. Don Shearer, 20:59; 2. Pat Kilduff, 21:34. 50-59: 1. Joe Soprano, 27:28; 2. Kevin White, 27:42. 60-69: 1. Dave Jiunta, 23:24; 2. Ron Rawls, 27:02. 70 & over: 1. Tom Winter, 30:43.
Top 3 overall female winners
Karen Moskel, 38, Kingston, 22:00
Jaclyn Rawlings, 25-29, Forty Fort, 22:17
Brenda Karavitch, 35-39, Shavertown, 22:25
Female age group winners: 20-24: 1. Jennifer Borton, 23:43; 2. Elizabeth Jensolowsky, 29:31. 25-29: 1. Lesley Banks, 23:32; 2. Emily AOcar, 27:45. 30-34: 1. Jen Palmaioli, 25:07; 2. Stephanie Gover, 25:19. 35-39: 1. Amy Feldman, 24:05; 2. Jackie Serafin, 24:50. Masters division: 40-49: 1. Kelly Burns, 32:21; 2. Karen Dadey, 32:43. 50-59: 1. Sandra Orrson, 24:40; 2. Cindy Tsioles, 28:11. 60-69: 1. Joyce Foster, 23:57; 2. Barb Rupert, 33:32.
Field: 74 entered, 70 finishers. Starter: Mike Fine, race director. Timing and results: secondwindtiming.com
