On this perfect Labor Day morning, Scott Leslie returned to Marlborough to defend his title at the Laborious Labor Day Ten Miler. Having previously won this challenging ten mile course through the beautiful back roads of Marlborough and Hudson, Leslie knew that he had to save a little for the big hills that awaited him.

Unfortunately for Leslie, the competition this year was tremendous with 45 runners competing. Dan Ostiguy (from Gilbertville) and Michael Panas (from Westborough) running together, went out hard (5.07 - mile, 16.40 - 5k) and was never challenged the rest of the way. Ostiguy went on to win the male division is a record setting time of 54.25, almost 3 ½ minutes faster than the previous record. Both Panas and Leslie also broke the previous course record.

Kara Benson (from Sudbury) also shattered the women’s course record by three minutes in a time of 1.06.22,  placing 6^th overall.

Gary Catterin from Marlborough was our first male master (5^th overall) in a time of 1.04.56. Elaine DeBitetto from Stow was the first female master (15^th overall) in a time of 1.10.35.

Sponsored by Highland City Striders, Marlboro High Cross Country Teams and the Marlboro Recreation Department, this unique race benefited the Marlborough Food Pantry. Unlike most of the local running events, this event had no entry fee; however, race director Mark Vital suggested that runners donate can goods for the pantry. Thanks to the generosity of those who competed; over 500 donated can goods will help fill the pantry's shelves that feed the community's most needy. 

The next race on the schedule for the Highland City Striders is the Marlboro Main Street Mile which will be at 9:45 AM on September 30th, just before the glorious Heritage Day Fair in downtown Marlboro.