Runners of all ilk achieve road race goals

More than 600 runners aged 6 to 84 toed the line Saturday at 9 a.m. and, by later that humid morning, had completed either the 45th annual New Milford 8-mile road race or the 10th annual Village Fair Days 5K.

Runners started on the east side of the Village Green during the early hours of Saturday's edition of the Village Fair Days.

The finish for both races was on the west side of the Green, to the cheers of hundreds of those on hand to greet the runners or simply to visit the fair.

Mathew Kiplagat, 29, a native Kenyan who graduated in 2008 from Iona College, broke away from the challenge of three rivals to claim the title in 40:30.

His nearest pursuer was Ethiopian native Demesse Tefera in 40:46.

Craig Hunt, 21, a New Milford High graduate competing now for Central Connecticut State University, offered a strong challenge to the top pack before settling for fourth place in 41:57, behind Deneke Tejou, of Bronx, N.Y.

Hirut Beyene, 20, of Ethiopia, eased to women's victory in 46:25, good for 11th place overall and the fastest distaff time since 2009.

Among her early challengers was Boston College senior Moira Kenny, of Sherman, who claimed 37th place overall in 53:20.

Earning respective Village Fair Days 5K men's and women's victories were William Sanders, 25, of Wethersfield, and young Kate Mullen, 13, of Newtown, Pa., in times of 16:16 and 23:06.

Many Greater New Milford area athletes earned high finishes in men's and women's age division competition. For the complete race results and divisional awards, check www.plattsys.com.

The events were directed by Michelle Gasiewski and hosted by New Milford Parks & Recreation.

For more information, call Parks & Recreation at 860-355-6050 or email parkandrec@newmilford.org.

For more photos, visit www.newmilfordspectrum.com.

Norm Cummings