Story and photos by Larry Reilly
Although the weather forecast called for thunder storms at race time, nearly 250 community members showed up for the start of the 15th Annual Cobblestone Classic, June 2.
The runners benefited from storm’s no show and the course route being switched around.
“The Cobblestone Classic has historically started at Patch Barracks Husky Field and finished outside the main gate of Panzer Kaserne. However, this year the course was reversed and the race finished at the CYS Patch Hub parking lot,” said Felicia Hanes, Family & MWR Fitness Coordinator. “For many of the runner’s it was a nice change that reflected in how they ran the course.”
“We really liked the change in direction,” said Bree Washburn. “Our times were much better and it seems to be a much better course to run.”
Geoff and Bree Washburn finished first place overall in the men’s and women’s categories with a time of 27:43 and 32:21 respectively.
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The veteran running duo finished a strong two minutes ahead of the second place finishers, but the youth notice was served when the second place male runner was 8th grader Landon McMinimy, 29:30, and the second place female runner was 9th grader, McKinley “Micki” Fielding, 34:25.
Only seconds behind McMinimy, was third place male winner, Alex Sprague 29:30, and Kristin Gary took the third place female title with a time of 34:40.
The three-member team, “The X-men,” consisting of Ray Brown, Max Tortorelli, and Hendrix Diaz-Veale took the team title with an average time of 32:51.
The Cobblestone Classic may bring out the competitive spirit in many of the runners, but for others, it’s an opportunity to do something the entire family can enjoy.
“We participate as a family in the “Cobblestone Classic”, the “Run to Remember” and all the fun runs that the Family and MWR offer,” said Marestella Watson, whose husband, Gene, daughter Asia and son, Zack have a vast collection of T-shirts and hats from all the races they have run as a family.
“We enjoy the togetherness the races offer us and yes, we do compete to see who is fastest,” said Gene Watson, who confessed that Marestella took the family title on this day. “We are looking forward to running in the upcoming ‘Run to Remember’ race.”
“This year’s race was very interesting when we reverse the direction of the race, and we look forward to mixing up the routes in future races,” Hanes said. “Our next race, the ‘Run to Remember,’ will be held on July 14 starting at the Panzer Kaserne parade field.”