Nearly 1500 Athletes Faced A Sand And Cement Course During Sea Isle City’s Annual 10-Mile Island Run

SEA ISLE CITY– On August 14, the 40th Annual Captain Bill Gallagher 10-Mile Island Run brought thousands of people to Sea Isle’s promenade and beaches. The yearly race, which is hosted by the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol, took place with perfect weather conditions and a mild breeze blowing from the south. The event’s race course runs along the resort’s promenade and on the beach, challenging many participants – especially those who typically train on solid running surfaces.
Nearly 1500 runners participated in this year’s race, matching the number of athletes involved in 2009. Just before the starting gun went off in front of the resort’s new beach patrol headquarters at 44th Street, participants were positioned shoulder-to-shoulder on the promenade, forming a column of athletes that spanned nearly two full blocks. After the race began, close to two minutes passed before each of the runners was able to cross the starting line; however, since each of the athletes was equipped with an individual electronic device that clocked their exact start and finish times, there was no need to be at the front of the pack. For most of the runners, what mattered was simply finishing the 10-mile race. Fortunately for all, there were seven aid-stations positioned along the course, where water was offered to runners who needed to hydrate mid-race.
After many of the runners had completed the 10-Mile Island Run, the event’s winners were announced to a large crowd of spectators that had gathered on the promenade in front of the beach patrol headquarters. Cash prizes were awarded to the top runners, including $250 for first place, $150 for second, and $75 for third. The first police officer, firefighter and SICBP alumni member who crossed the finish line each received a check for $50 as well. Trophies were awarded to the first ten athletes who completed the course, and also to the first and second place finishers in more than a dozen age groups. Additionally, team plaques and individual medals went to the fastest beach patrol, running club and corporate team members.
The first runner to cross the finish line was Steve Hallinan, 24, West Chester, PA, with an official time of 51 minutes and 24 seconds. Hallinan, who started running at age nine, has competed in the 10-Mile Island Run for several years, earning second and third place honors in the past. “It’s a great feeling to win this race,” he said.
Following close behind Hallinan was second-place winner Macharia Yuot, 28, West Chester, PA, with a finish time of 51:50. Yuot earned top-honors in the 2006 10-Mile Island Run, when he broke the course record and finished with a time of 51:17. The third runner to cross the finish line this year was James Gathoga, 31, Newark, NJ, with a time of 54:23.
In the Women’s Division, Molly Ritter, 23, Arendtsville, PA, was the fastest runner with a time of 1:04:51. Ritter, was followed by Catherine Campbell, 20, Carlisle, PA, 1:06:36, 2nd place; and Caitlyn Quinn, 25, New York City, 1:07:29, 3rd.
In the 16 and Under Division, Austin Gregor, 16, Chalfont, PA, 1:01:18.48, and Alissa Johnson, 16, Yardley, PA, 1:15:23.90, were the top racers by gender. In the Masters Division, Barry Lewis, 51, Philadelphia, PA, was the fastest male runner with a time of 1:00:33; and the fastest female was Marianne Krupa, 47, Berlin, NJ, 1:16:04.
For additional race results, visit www.sicbp.com.