Wheelers top field in UMPI Spring Runoff

6 years ago

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Twenty four runners and four walkers completed the course at the 38th annual UMPI Spring Runoff 5K Road Race held Saturday, April 7.

The race began and ended on the campus of the University of Maine at Presque Isle. It was the second race in the County Challenge Series and served as a fundraiser for the UM-Presque Isle cross country and track and field programs.

Curtis Wheeler took first place in the UMPI Spring Runoff 5K Road Race, held Saturday. (Courtesy of UMPI Athletics)

The course record holders, Curtis and Gabrielle Wheeler of New Sweden competed and captured top honors. Curtis Wheeler finished in 16 minutes and 14.3 seconds, while his wife, Gabrielle, recorded a time of 18:48.5, which was good for fifth overall.

Curtis Wheeler had established the overall record of 15:33 back in 2010. Gabrielle Wheeler set the women’s record of 18:46 in 2012.

On Saturday, P.J. Gorneault and Evan Desmond, both of Caribou, placed second and third, respectively. Gorneault’s time was 16:31.2 and Desmond finished in 18:40.6. Max Bartley of Presque Isle came in fourth in 18:42.2.

Others in the top 10 were Shamale Rockliffe of Limestone (sixth, 19:35.2), Bruce Clark of Houlton (seventh, 20:38.9), Jeff Ashby of Fort Fairfield (eighth, 21:29.3), Marie Beckum of Caribou (ninth, 21:39) and Cameron Marston of Limestone (10th, 21:44.3).

The rest of the runners and their times, in order of finish, were as follows: Aaron Macek (21:52.4), Steve Desmond (21:55.8), Carl Soderberg (22:43.7), Craig Reese (23:13.4), Spencer Soucy (24:40.1), Glenney Mahan (24:53.1), Maren Moir (25:51.3), Ed Malone (26:19.4), Connie McLellan (28:58.4), Roy Alden (29:21.5), Jamie Guerrette (30:44.4), Martin Puckett (34:08.2), Sarah LeClair (34.48.8) and Michael LeClair (35:01.1).

The fastest walker was Natalie McFarline, who came across in 57:11.4. Akasha Walton (57:12.2), Heidi McFarline (57:14.5) and Tim McFarline (57:14.9) followed.