Saturday, September 20, 2008 -- Scottdale, PA
Scottdale Fall Festival 10K Run and 5K Run/Walk (iPO Event Id#: 10784)

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The killer hill in Scottdale

Story and photos by Theresa Svoboda

It couldn't have been a more beautiful day for The Scottdale Fall Festival Race, held on Saturday September 20th.

This lovely town had a host of volunteers to help register nearly 100 participants, and a director that can execute a great race for the yearly 5 and 10k. This year, Race Director Charlie Ellis presented a few nice surprises to those up for the challenge.

The 11th anniversary of the event brought goody bags to all that included a commemorative Fall Festival shirt, which required a quick uniform change for some before the whistle blew.

The race course seemed to separate the leaders a 1/2 mile in for the challenging climb up Pittsburgh Street. Runners seemed to slow down a bit after the killer hill, but were motivated by the cheering spectators who lined the streets.

Just after the climb, the course eased up as the 5K and 10K runners split. It was there that 17 year old standout, Ryan Clarkson, seemed to set his winning pace.

Clarkson retained his title as the overall winner of the Scottdale Fall Fest 5K with a time of 18:08. It was a second year win for this elite runner, crushing his time from last years race by 46 seconds.

Eric Rankin sprinted through downtown Scottdale to earn second with a time of 18:48. Francis Molinaro was right on Rankins heels just 6 seconds behind him to claim third.

Mackenzie Tressler (11 yrs old) warms up

Excitement rippled through the air as the women finishers of the 5k approached. Many spectators along the route would see history in the making. Mackenzie Tressler, only 11 years old, brought home a first place win with an impressive time of 23:02. Mackenzie made history as the youngest person ever to earn an overall title in the town of Scottdale. She should be proud of her time, which was over 3 and a half minutes faster than the rest of the women's field.

Renee Brown crossed for second and Cheri Altman rounded out the women's top spots.

Smashing last years winning time by almost a full minute, first place 10K winner Matthew Bright celebrated his finishing time of 37:50 with victory handshakes from the crowd.

Robert Smith, age 15, clocked in at 38:56 to take home the second place prize. Jese Irwin won third amongst the group of talented racers.

The Scottdale race drew generations of families. Everyone in the Miller Family took home a place finish. Gloria Miller took home first place in her age division of 60-69. Her husband Levi, took 2nd in the same age group. Elizabeth Miller, the youngest, found a third place prize in her division.

This race was also special for Bill Glunt, a 79-year runner worried about not securing a first place win, which he did with ease. Also of notable mention, runner Ron Goodwin, who was gearing up for the Marine Corp Marathon.

Mark this event down on your race schedule for next year and make it a tradition. The course was challenging and competitive and the Fall Festival was amazing.