Run Manchester 2021 race results

Run Manchester 2021, Saturday, August 7th

The course involved moving the start and finish line east up Main Street to in front of the Blacksmith Shop instead of on the Main Street Bridge

On Saturday, the Manchester community welcomed 140 runners from all over who came to participate in the 12th annual Run Manchester. This was the third Run Manchester organized by FIRST Robotics Teams of Manchester and serves as a fundraiser for the team. Last summer, no race was held due to COVID-19.

This year, organizers not only made adjustments to keep runners safe from the pandemic — like a start window with chip timers — but they also worked with the townships in addition to the village to establish a longer route and expanded the race from a 5K and 10K only to include a 10 mile and half marathon this year.

COVID-19 even affected the awards. Organizer Daniella Kippnick explained, “Due to uncertainty of restrictions, safety, and turnout, we did not do age group awards this year. We gave top male/female finisher awards.” Next year they plan to have an awards ceremony again and recognize age groups.

Kippnick stated, “Even though there were many conflicting races last weekend and the huge Dexter-Ann Arbor race rescheduled to the next weekend, Run Manchester had a great turnout. Our registrations nearly doubled in the week or so before the race. We expect it to be bigger next year. The robotics teams are grateful to everyone that came out to walk, run, and cheer.” 

Run Manchester was only possible because of the many volunteers and sponsors who came together to make this event successful. Kippnick stated, “We appreciate the volunteers that stepped up and helped set up the course. There is a lot more that happens behind the scenes than appears. Especially when it spans a distance of a half marathon.” She thanked Manchester Blooms for donating Gatorade for the hydration stations and Sharon Valley Bicycle Shoppe who not only provided gel packs for participants, but also worked the hydration station all morning at the 10-mile turn back.

She concluded, “We couldn’t have done this without the support of Amcor Rigid Plastics. They are a great supporter of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) in the community.”

Recently retired high school teacher Mr. Mark Ball donated his time taking photos of the race. Not only that, his speedy turnaround time meant the photos were uploaded online within 24 hours. Photos are available both on the Run Manchester Facebook page and the race sign-up page, but the photos on Facebook are higher resolution due to size restrictions on the sign-up page.

Although organizers received feedback that some attendees wished businesses downtown would have been open for the race, there was plenty to keep kids occupied. SRSLY Manchester had a kids' sign-making activity and games in Chi-Bro Park in coordination with the race. And kids waiting as spectators for family members running had fun catching balls the high school team's robot was “throwing” to them. The kids' free fun run had a great turnout as well.

Lastly, Kippnick stated, “Huge thanks to the residents on the course — especially those that allowed a porta-potty on their property. We understand the closure of Main Street is an inconvenience. Everyone was so gracious.” 

All photos courtesy of Run Manchester organizers and Mr Ball’s Photography and More.

Run Manchester top finishers:

Half marathon (27 entries)

Men
Bram Hartsuff 1:22:01 (1st overall)
Daniel Adler 1:37:02
Brett Hoerz. 1:37:54

Women
Heidi Bennett. 1:31:24 (2nd overall)
Barb Mackey. 1:32:29 (3rd overall)
Valerie Jurasek 1:44:09

10 mile (16 entries)

Men
Liam Hartsuff. 58:27 (1st overall)
John Bardsley 1:12:56 (2nd overall)
Matt Mackey 1:14:17 (3rd overall)

Women
Lisa Ringkvist-Johnson 1:30:41
Barb Mackey 1:32:29
Erin Bardsley 1:32:47

10K (22 entries)

Men
Jeff Delezenne 40:35 (1st overall)
Cooper Damm 52:49
Matt Berg 57:42

Women
Eliza Bush 42:05 (2nd overall)
Sofia Nelson 50:02 (3rd overall)
Suzanne Nelson 57:01

5K (77 entries)

Men
Jevon Robertson 19:12 (1st overall)
Phil Mishka 20:18 (2nd overall)
Grant Johnson 20:27 (3rd overall)

Women
Mckenna Marsh 20:36
Margaret Paulauski 21:55
Ellie Marsh 22:29

For all results visit: http://rfeventservices.com/2021

The Fun Run had close to 40 participants.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.