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OVERVIEW . . . . Congratulations to Jeff Long and his entire race committee for presenting a most excellent race, which saw record numbers today for the Cherry Blossom 5K, Cooper River Park, Cherry Hill, NJ. TOTAL ENTRANTS were 612 and we expect it has no place to go by up! A new certified course this year at Cooper River to allow logistically the new race headquarters at the Connie Mac's Irish Pub which was at the park entrance on Rt. 130 & North Park Drive. The only problem today was a medium head wind encountered on South Park Drive. Sun was in and out, with temperatures in the upper 50's. And they came ready to run either for the money or the pasta and beer post race party. Seemed liked everyone took the roads quite seriously today. Pulling away for a solo finish in 15:29 was Jay Johns, 24 years old, from Phoenixville, PA. Giving chase for second and third were Mark Gyandoh, 24 years old, Ardmore, PA in 15:43 and Matthew Demlein, 24, Newark, DE in 15:50. Fourth was Tom.n Sabol, 24, Phila., PA in 16:06, and fifth Stephen Shaklee, 43 years old, Collingswood, NJ in 16:16 who was also first master overall 40+. The women's field was not to be outshone either with Kate Fonshell, 29 years old, of Ardmore, PA kicking in a 17:06, with Laurie Corbin, 31 years old, Morristown, NJ, giving chase in 17:47. Third and fourth respectively was Joan Hunter, 33 years old, Philadelphia, PA in 18:23, and Meredith Unger, 24 years old, Narberth, PA in 18:53. First female master overall, 40+ was Sue Barrett, 41 years old, Haddonfield, NJ, in 21:22.

Top running team, with a very strong representation in the overall field was the Haddonfield Running Company taking back to the store its most deserved first place award. Well done to all -- you looked and ran great. This is the last year for the Cherry Blossom 5K to be run a Cooper River Park. Plans are being confirmed to move it to the sponsoring site of Camden Catholic High School -- and yes, the beer and pasta will continue! The new certified 5K course will be a residential run in Merchantville, NJ. The Michelle Polaski Scholarship Fund will still be the beneficiary of event proceeds. Jeff Long initiated this event six years ago in memory and honor a Michelle who was a classmate and friend he greatly admired. Jeff will continue to oversee the transition of this stellar event to its new home at Camden Catholic high school.

In closing, a huge thank you to Connie Mac's Irish Pub for putting out one of the best tasting pasta buffets I have had in a long time . . . With pitchers of beer lining the bar for all. Oh yea. Mark the calendar now. Submitted by Linda Toretsky-LIN-MARK

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