|
The 31st Canton Fall Classic Road Race
|
|
Recap of the 31st Annual Canton Fall Classic
While the Canton Fall Classic can’t match the Fourth of July Canton race for longevity, there is a long history behind the event. Over the years the race has developed its own “personality” and there have been common themes from year to year. One of the most dominant aspects to the race has been the return of participants from year to year. The race has become an annual gathering of old time friends and families tied to the running community. It has also been a race where top finishers come back to compete. 2019 featured three past winners returning to defend their titles successfully. Christine Howe notched her third Canton Fall Classic 10k victory in 41.54 and 2018 10k winner Eric Greenspan was a runaway winner with a time of 34.53. 2018 5k champion Lauren Tarvin (20.36) had a comfortable margin this year over Sophia Grammenos (21.58). The lone newcomer to the award podium was Thomas Stirrat (17.33) with a 22 second margin over Adam Greenspan. In a stellar performance newly minted 60 yr old Brenda Egizi (22.27) took 30 seconds off last year’s time and was the top female master (over 40). Similarly, 67 yr old Bob Ruel took it to the younger crowd finishing 7th overall with a sub 7:00 minute mile average (42.18). Fun run winners were Evan Najjar and Kayleigh Mann. The senior walk was again a tribute to our elderly community. This year’s event featured at least one 100 yr old participant. Race directors Harvey Blonder, Melissa Mayer and Andrew Baizen would like to thank major sponsors: MS Walker, Orchard Cove, Bank of Canton, Dedham Savings Bank, Shelia Donovan Pilates, Republic Plumbing, Envision Bank, Marathon Physical Therapy, Mahoney Law Group, Prime Motor Group, Cross Country Mortgage, Max Challenge, Frank Lamparelli Oil, John Dolan Kitchen and Bath, Ed Hart Septic, Joshua Cohen, Neil Cohen, Compete Indoor Sports and Copperworks Condominiums. We would also like to thank our donors: Tree Top Adventures, Elite Health and Fitness, CAF Pension, and Marathon Sports. Merchandise donors included: MS Walker, Grillo’s Pickles, Zayde’s Market, Roche Bros, Wegman’s, Pastene, Not your Average Joes, Del Frisco’s Grille, Stone L’Oven, Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, CF McCarthy’s, Waterfall Grille, The Feisty Greek, Bon Caldo and Nisa’s among others. Other than the surprise blizzard in 2011 which forced a postponement the Classic has largely enjoyed great weather. This year’s raw temperatures and rain didn’t scare away the top runners, but did hurt the pre race sign up, the post entry numbers and the spectator gallery. Vendor village was moved indoors and the social gathering post race remained vibrant. We would also like to thank the crew of Gentle Giant who were involved in virtually every aspect of the event. Race director Harvey Blonder would like to add a personal thank you to both the Stoughton Cross Country team and the HFC Striders. Blonder was a long time past coach of Stoughton High and their athletes traditionally have helped out. Blonder is the current coach of the HFC Striders and was proud to see those athletes take 3 out of 4 winners in the 5k and 10k narrowly missing a sweep. View the complete 2019 5k and 10K Results |
The Canton Fall Classic benefits B'nai Tikvah and the Canton Food Pantry
B'nai Tikvah and Canton Food Pantry are 501c3 charities
B'nai Tikvah and Canton Food Pantry are 501c3 charities