Cool Running :: E. Murray Todd Half Marathon Race Results

E. Murray Todd Half Marathon

RACE DAY OVERVIEW . . . The 23rd Annual E. Murray Todd Half Marathon was very COLD & WINDY! Frozen puddles from last nights rain storm -- but the good news for the 416 finishers (483 entrants), was no snow. Further north really got hit -- so in that regard, the running gods were kind. But with a sub-15 degrees wind chill, it was hard to be a happy camper. When we took off the finishers bib tags in the finish line. . . pieces of ice fell off them. There were many iced-over runners but everyone finished in good shape. Once again, excellent race organization by the Monmouth County Park System. All race day proceedings took place in the beautiful dual-level gym at Brookdale Community College, Lincroft, NJ. The indoor running track on the upper level saw quite a few runners and walkers getting in their daily work-out indoors while the half-marathon was in progress.

Separating himself from the men's field, Todd Lippin, 28 yrs. old, Sayreville, NJ, finished in 1:13:59. A great effort under tough conditions. (The men's course record of 1:07:18 was set in 1984 by Ray Cerankowski and still stands.) Finishing 2nd & 3rd overall were Jeremy Stratton, 38 yrs. old, Parlen, NJ (1:15:31); and Brian McCourt, 37 yrs. old, Midland Park, NJ (1:15:44). While not a recognized award division, the first male master 40+ overall was Gary Wersinger, 41 yrs. old, W. Long Branch, NJ (1:16:04) he also finished 4th overall in the field.

Also separating herself from the women's field was Dorian Meyer, 29 yrs. old, Rumson, NJ (1:26:36). 2nd and 3rd overall women were Annie O'Dowd, 36 yrs. old, Old Bridge, NJ (1:29.08); and Jennifer Gunn, 34 yrs. old, Red Bank, NJ (1:29:23). Again, not recognized as an overall award but finishing as first female master 40+ was Mary Conry, 44 yrs. old, Colts Neck, NJ (1:37:52), 15th woman overall.

First male race walker was Jack Lach, 55 yrs. old, Wall, NJ (2:08:44), and first female race walker Sherry Brosnahan, 47 yrs. old, from Bridgewater, NJ finished in 2:20:31. Congratulations to all the runners for showing how tough ladies and gentlemen handle tough weather, and especially thanks to all the volunteers who get to stand still for over three hours in the cold and show just how tough and dedicated volunteers can be to the sport of running. Well done everyone, experience shows. (and thanks to my A-team LIN-MARK finishline crew for keeping the hot chocolate flowing). Comments by . . . Linda Toretsky.