MARIA MONKS, HAZLETON, HAS “DIAMONDS ON THE SOLES OF HER SHOES” AS SHE CAPTURES THE TOP WOMEN’S HONORS.

‘Summer in the City’ for over 1100
runners; Colangelo, Monks Shine

BY MARGARET LIVSEY, BEV BULL, AND BILL BULL

BERWICK, PA- -A record field of both entrants (1195) and finishers (1123) turned out for the 98th Annual Berwick Run For The Diamonds 9 miler. Record-high temperatures, reaching 70 degrees, greeted the runners to Berwick. Thousands of spectators lined the course to cheer on the runners. This race is as much a tradition in Berwick as is turkey and pumpkin pie.

Runners from 31 states participated in this Thanksgiving tradition. Tristen Colangelo, of Charlottesville, VA battled Karl Savage of Ridley, PA throughout the race until pulling away with about two miles to go. Colangelo, who finished a disappointing third last year, came to the race more physically and equally important, mentally ready to race. “I think I really do appreciate the win more, just because I didn’t do so well last year. I really thought I could come in and blow the field away. Then I lost by two minutes and it was a real eye opener,” said Colangelo. Karl Savage held on for second. He was followed by former winners Matthew Kerr and Fred Joslyn. Brandon Kenny, Kevin Borelli, and Mike DiDio rounded out the Top Seven Diamond Ring winners.

GREG CAULLER HEADING TO THE FINISH OF HIS 30TH RUN FOR THE DIAMONDS AS THIRD MASTERS.

Maria Monks of nearby Hazleton, won the Women’s race. Monks had finished a very respectable fourth place as a high school Junior, but had missed the last two races due to injuries. Monks, coming off her Sophomore Cross Country season at MIT, didn’t feel properly prepared for the nine-mile distance. “When a fan yelled I was in second, I decided to push it and go for it. But before that, I wasn’t going for the win. The leader had about 200 meters on me and I just kept making that closer and closer as we went on.” Jennifer Stevens of Laceyville, PA had lead the race for the first eight-and-a-half miles, but the heat had taken a toll. Stevens had succumbed to dehydration and staggered to the finish line, but still battled valiantly to hold onto third place. Other Diamond Pendant winners included second place finisher, Kelly Devine and 4th through 7th, Kelly Ochreiter, Kate McNamara, Shelby Pealer, and Vicki McGrew.

Master Diamond winners were Rick Hellard and Amy Snyder.

Veteran Diamond winners were Budd Coates and Dianna Golden.

Senior Diamond winners were Bill Horwich and Joan Miller.

Local Diamond winners were Tony Lawson for the ninth consecutive year and tenth overall and Miranda Hildebrand.

Race organizers are already busy planning for next year’s 100th Anniversary race and in 2009, the 100th Annual race. Note; There were no races in 1918 & 1919.

DIANNA GOLDEN, 54, TOP FEMALE VETERANS.

The Berwick Marathon Association would like to thank the many sponsors of the awards and also, the major sponsorship of Burger King, Berwick Hospital Center, Mays Restaurants and Metrocast Communications.