Every late August at Gilroy’s Mt. Madonna Park at Sprig Lake,
the masochists show up.
Gilroy – Every late August at Gilroy’s Mt. Madonna Park at Sprig Lake, the masochists show up.
Runners from Morgan Hill, Gilroy, San Jose, Los Gatos and even as far away as San Luis Obispo hit the dirt trails to torture themselves on two rigorous courses Sunday. They labor up steep inclines in the midst of hot weather, while gobs of bugs, dust and sweat obstruct their progress. The 12K and 6K races are geared not for the fainthearted or for couch potato wimps; these long and winding roads are pretty tough. The Mt. Madonna Challenge, aptly named, is a benefit for the South Valley Symphony. Veteran runner Bill Flodberg and Live Oak High cross country coach Dean Raymond are the driving forces behind the 30-year-old athletic event.
The first segment of the race is the 6K Salamander Walk, which sounds safe enough until you actually run the thing. It’s no cakewalk. It will build up the calf muscles and get those lungs pumping pine-scented air.
Steve Sokol and his son Alex, a father and son team from San Jose, drove up early Sunday morning to test their mettle on the shorter distance of the race. Never mind that Alex is six years old – he knew he could tackle the hills without any problems, with his father at his side feeding him racing strategy.
Before the 12K Mt. Madonna Challenge race, hardy souls talked about their past races and expectations regarding the upcoming trial. Veteran competitor Dave Boulen, 74, from Los Gatos has defied the mountains since the first race 30 years ago. Despite an unfortunate encounter with a swarm of hornets at a previous Mt. Madonna Challenge two years ago, he still confronts the precipitous course with enthusiasm.
The racers crossed the finish line – weary, happy, relieved and much wiser with regards to hill running. Morgan Hill’s 14 year-old Olivia Duran completed the rugged 6K under 34 minutes and was thrilled to take first place overall in the women’s field.
“Uphill was my favorite part because it makes my legs stronger,” Duran said.
San Martin resident Rich Benner finished second in the men’s division for the same distance with a time of 26:57. This was his first time competing in the race.
The men’s division winner in the 12K was first timer Michael Matthews from Los Gatos. Matthew’s impressive 51:32 finish firmly put him in an elite category. His wife, Kimberly, placed second overall in the women’s division in the 6K.
Top finishers
men, 12K
1. Michael Matthews
51:32
2. Ryan Reed 53:35
3. Andrew Murray
56:18
women, 12K
1. Lisa Herrera
69:38
2. Sally Adam
74:31
3. Gretchen Yoder
75:35
Complete Race Results
MEN, 12K
10-18: l. Allen Chan 57:00; 2. Jesus Atanacio 58:38; 3. Kenn Benner 60:52
19-29: 1. Ryan Reed 53:35; 2. Matthew De Benedetti 72:00
30-34: 1. Christopher Bosso 71:54; 2. Frank Diard 75:51; 3. Moises Hernandez 52:32
35-39: 1. Michael Mattthews 51:32; 2. Andrew Murray 56:18; 3. Ismael Luna 88:06
40-44: 1. Raymond Rodriguez 56:47; 2. David Enney 75:55; 3. Ted Durham 78:13
45-49: 1. Doug Meier 61:46; 2. Bill Christopher 73:36; 3. Robert Steelman 77:02
50-54: 1. Dan Anderson 59:17; 2. John Darling 67:28; 3. Gar Chan 70:12
55-59: 1. Jose Garcia 63:48; 2. Robin Dickson 68:32; 3. Tom King 96:13
60-64: 1. John Demaree 96:19
WOMEN, 12K
10-18: 1. Lisa Herrera 69:38
19-29: 1. Raquel Lopez 90:43
30-34: 1. Stephanie Heffernan 94:12; 2. Katherine Richards 94:44
35-39: 1. Gretchen Yoder 75:35; 2. Jean Suyenaga 87:28; 3. Shibata Sakura 89:57
40-44: 1. Adeline Espinoza 95:55
45-49: 1. Leesa King 91:33
60-69: 1. Sally Adam 74:31
BOYS/MEN, 6K
6-9: 1. Alexander Sokol 34:48; 2. Will Armedariz 42:59
10-18: l. Daniel Beckwith 26:04; 2. Andrew Taylor 27:09; 3. Nico Sandaval 31:23
19-29: l. Havis Hoglund 51:40
30-34: 1. Joseph Heffernan 71:35
35-39: 1. Salvador Blanco (time not supplied); 2. Al Villareal 51:23; 3. Chris Burke 71:28
40-44: 1. Ernie Leyva 37:35
45-49: 1. Keith Rayburn 32:05; 2. Steve Sokul 34:51; 3. Vic Gross 40:01
50-54: 1. Rich Benner 26:57
55-59: 1. Bob Gilbert 33:11; 2. Leroy Daleen 34:08
60-69: 1. Gary Mader 35:29; 2. Will Armendariz 42:39; 3. Jim Leninger 53:42
70+: 1. Frank Rodriguez 48:47
GIRLS/WOMEN, 6K
6-9: 1. Megan Heffernan 70:49
10-18: 1. Olivia Duran 33:35
19-29: 1. Jennifer Owens 38:13; 2. Rosana Rosso 39:07; 3. Shelena Vittelli 53:41
30-34: 1. Tracy Wilbanks 40:58; 2. Aimee Leyva 47:53
35-39: 1. Kimberly Matthews 34:12; 2. Lynam Griselda 41:55; 3. Tami Borshay 45:28
40-44: 1. Jo Buderus 40:44; 2. Carolyn Barkas 40:01; 3. Maureen Ramsey 41:07
45-49: 1. Sonora Serenka 58:07
50-54: 1. Joyce Parr 38:08; 2. Karen Yinger 40:13; 3. Julie Rodgers 41:30
60-69: 1. Helen Espy 45:33; 2. Nancy Ludcke 46:48
By Angie Young, Special to the Dispatch
