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Runners start on their way in the first-ever Arc of Schuyler Grand Prix Run at WGI.

500 participate in inaugural Arc of Schuyler race at WGI

Grand Prix Run raises $10,000

WATKINS GLEN, April 13 -- About 500 runners and walkers were on hand under sunny skies Saturday morning for the inaugural Arc of Schuyler Grand Prix Run on the Watkins Glen International racetrack.

The event -- with the facilities and security provided free of charge by WGI -- raised more than $10,000 for The Arc, a not-for-profit organization providing support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism.

"We're so grateful to all of you who are a part of this," The Arc's executive director, Jeannette Frank, told the gathering before the start of the race. WGI President Michael Printup also spoke, telling the gathering he "can't wait until you come back next year. Have fun out there. Just wait until you hit the hills -- a couple going out, and a couple coming in."

The crowd laughed nervously, knowing the challenge posed by the sharp inclines.

The throng was set on its way by WGI's Chief Starter, Marty Laux, who waved the green flag as an announcer said "Ready, set, go."

A little more than 18 minutes later, the first runner finished: James Derick, 46, of Big Flats, in 18:40. Morgan Michel, 17, of Montour Falls, was second in 19:22, while Andy Pierce of Elmira was third in 20:12.

The first female finisher was Katherine Bellor, 29, of Corning, who posted a time of 24:20. The runnerup was Allison Matusick, 32, of Corning (24:52), while third place went to Alaina Masler, 26, of Corning (25:08).

The event was timed by Yellowjacket Racing, which provided the entire list of finishers and their times and hometowns. To reach it, click here.

Awards were presented in the Bog area, site of pre-race registrations earlier in the morning. Medals went to the top three finishers in various age categories. The winner of each category was as follows:

Female 14 and Under: Grace Bickham, 14, of Corning (27:55).
Female 15-19: Sarah Hess, 19, of Corning (28:24).
Female 20-29: Alaina Masler, 26, of Corning (25:08)
Female 30-39: Allison Matusick, 32, of Corning (24:52).
Female 40-49: Michele Grund, 43, of Elmira (26:56).
Female 50-59: Ann Roberts, 51, of Alpine (27:30).
Female 60 and Over: Mary Loesch, 66, of Beaver Dams (33:38).

Male 14 and Under: Cole Lane, 14, of Rome (21:38).
Male 15-19: Morgan Michel, 17, of Montour Falls (19:22).
Male 20-29: Adam Nailor, 24, of Corning (21:48).
Male 30-39: Andy Pierce, 33, of Elmira (20:12).
Male 40-49: Matthew Aldridge, 41, of Ithaca (20:16).
Male 50-59: Kevin Sheehan, 52, of Victor (20:45).
Male 60 and Over: Kenyon Erickson, 60, of Vienna, Virginia (23:34).

Photos in text:

Top: The top female finisher, Katherine Bellor of Corning, and the top male finisher, James Derick of Big Flats.

Next: Medals on a table, awaiting the awards ceremony.

Next: Members of the Klemann family were walking the track. From left were dad Steve and daughters Aubrey, Aislinn and Alannah.

Bottom: Morgan Michel, who finished second in the race and won the Male 15-19 division.

WGI Chief Starter Marty Laux waves the checkered flag at the finish line.

Left: Ann Roberts of Alpine, winner of the Female 50-59 age group. Right: Schuyler Hospital fielded a team for the Grand Prix Run, including the women pictured above.

WGI President Michael Printup, right, confers with the track's Chief Starter, Marty Laux, before the beginning of the Grand Prix Run.