OVERALL WINNERS
PALMERO FAMILY
HELEN EVANS FEMALE WINNER
JEFF SKWIERZ MALE WINNER
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Jeff Skwierz and Helen Evans Take Top Honors at 3rd Annual “Run For The Cannoli”
By Dino Oberto
The 2006 St. Mauro’s Festival 5K “Run For The Cannoli” is in the books and the saying, ‘third time is the charm’ certainly played full proof into Sunday’s race.
It was a banner turnout of runners who came out for the third edition of this fast growing popular event which runs in conjunction with the annual St. Mauro’s Italian Festival at Our Lady of Grace Church in Hazleton, PA.
Jeff Skwierz smoked the competition for the second year in a row and although he did not better his ’05 record setting time of 16:36, he still did a well enough to win with a 17:38.
During the awards ceremony church Pastor, Father Tom Cappolloni, dubbed him the “Cannoli King.”
Chris Pszeniceny was 21-seconds back at a solid 17:59 while the always smooth and steady Jer Darowish took third overall with a 19:20.
44-year old Mike Brandtmeir was fourth at the finish, stopping the clock at 19:34 while 13-year old Chris Tombasco rounded out the top-five male and overall finishers with an impressive 20:09 for the Hazleton Area Junior High Cross Country star.
Helen Evans was tops in the women’s category as the 46-year old northeast PA veteran runner sped to the finish line at 21:52, 14th overall.
Lisa Slivonek was a half-second behind at 22:22. Next came MMI Preparatory School Cross Country standout Gabby Deitos who was just a few steps behind Slivonek at 22:27.
Completing the women’s top five were 14-year old Nicole Montecalvo, 23:24 and Wendy Balko with a 23:42.
Both Skwierz and Evans each received very handsome two foot tall trophies for their well-earned efforts while medals went to the top-three in age groups 19-under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49,50-59 and 60-over.
Race Director Dino Oberto noted that next year’s race will feature more age groups and more medals.
A record 78 runners out came out to tackle the streets of Hazleton and despite the concern of the 3:00 pm start, the weather was picture perfect.
Of course it was well worth it too as each runner got themselves a sweet Italian treat in the form of a delicious Cannoli that was generously donated by the Pizzeria in McAdoo, PA.
After the race everyone took to the festival for great food and fun.
Oberto would like to extend a special thank you to all the participants, volunteers and sponsors who made the 2006 “Run For The Cannoli” a great success.
