Break in Weather leads to Course Records at Running the Rails -Jed Dreher

YPSILANTI (8/22/10)- Former Eastern standouts Josh Perrin (Hillsdale) and Kyle Mena (Ypsilanti) cruised to convincing wins in the 5K and 10K in the 23rd edition of Running the Rails, formerly "The Great Train Race," which began the final day of Ypsilanti's Heritage Festival.

The USATF sanctioned event featured both a 5K and 10K on the recently certified traditional course through Ypsilanti and Superior Townships, and introduced a 1/2 mile Kids Fun Run for runners 12 and younger.

"I was pleased with the great turnout this year," commented race director Jed Dreher. "With this being the first year of the new name and marketing, there was initial confusion with past Great Train Race participants, and concern over changing the course. But as race participants found out, we were the same great great race, on the same great course as previous runs, just revitalized."

The Ypsilanti Area Jaycees brought the Great Train Race back in 2007, after a several year hiatus. 2010 marked the first year with the new name, logo and focus.

This year's race attendance was 438, marking the fourth straight year of growth. The field included runners from 14 states and Canada, and increased by over 130 from last year.

The fast courses both start and finish in Ypsilanti's historic Depot Town, traveling along the rail line through town, before crossing the Huron River into the Superior Township countryside. The last mile in both the 5 and 10K feature a downhill back into the finish behind the old Freight House, which houses Ypsilanti's Farmers Market.

Perrin, the 5K champion, came through in 16:16 Sunday morning. Kenny Cooper, Clinton, finished as Men's runner-up (18:34).

Men's Masters Champion was Livonia's Adan Gomez, fourth overall, (19:06), followed by Ann Arbor's Chris Klinke (20:27)

Boys' Youth Division was paced by Dearborn's Andrew Rinke (22:28), with Ann Arbor's Ryan Wagner finished runner-up (26:39)

On the Women's Side, Julie French-Bloomfield of Jackson took home the 5K title (22:40). Runner-up was Amy Holleman of Ann Arbor (23:22).

Women's Master's Champion was Brownstown's Gerri Harmer (26:36), followed by Lisa Zawadzki of Saline (26:55).

Girls' Youth Division was won by Susan Boehl of Ypsilanti (30:50), and Ypsilanti's Anna Davis was runner-up (46:51).

On the 10K side, the Women's champion was Martha Olsen of Jackson (42:40). The Runner-up was Ann Arbor's Lori Byersdorfer (46:37).

Women's Master's champion was Lisa Smith of Tecumseh (49:33), followed by Lisa Diponio of Ann Arbor (52:40).

Men's Champion was Mena (33:00), followed by Jackson's Brian Olsen (36:37).

In the Masters' Division, Ann Arbor's Marc Turenne won in 40:28, followed by Canton's Masayoshi Ichihara (40:58).

The Youth division was won by Ypsilanti's Andrew Blower (43:24).

In it's first year, the Kids Fun Run Boy's Champion was Ypsilanti's Nicholas Elling (3:18), with the Girl's Champion Caitlin Roupe of New Boston (3:53).

For complete results go to http://www.everalracemgt.com/ , and for more information on next year's race, visit ypsilantijaycees.com .