MISTI DEMKO, 4TH (1ST U.S.) FEMALE FINISHER OF RACE AGAINST RACISM 5K. CLAY SHAW PHOTO

Records Broken Running Down Racism

LANCASTER, PA-The YWCA of Lancaster's Race Against Racism continues to grow in numbers and in enthusiasm. This year, the race's fourth, was no exception. A record number of registrants-close to 1,800-joined with a record number of sponsors to raise a record amount of money (close to $30,000) for the YWCA's racial justice programs.

Saturday, April 27, was a perfect spring day in Lancaster's Musser Park, as race participants made their way around the 5K (3.1 mile) course, which meandered around the eastern end of the city. Ronald Mogaka, of Kenya, returned to defend his title in 14:09. He was followed by Sammy Ngeno in 14:34. Masters runner Randy Haas (15:09) and perennial Masters favorite Greg Cauller (15:27) also made their presence known by placing third and fifth, respectively. Chris Miller, of Hummelstown, posted a fourth place finish in 15:20, which also made him the first finisher from the Susquehanna Valley-presenting sponsor WGAL TV8's primary coverage area.

In the women's race, Kenyan Teresa Wanjiku poured it on to win in 16:09. Anne Wambui, 16:36, and Alice Murithi, 16:46, also finished second and third. Misti Demko, the first Susquehanna Valley finisher, posted an awesome time of 16:47. Demko left the next week for the World Half-Marathon Championships in Brussels, Belgium, where she represented the United States. Vicki Boyer displayed speed and strength with a strong fifth place finish in 17:01. Top female Masters finisher was Jeanette Arnold with a time of 21:24.

GREG KEREK (#1031) CARRIES OLD GLORY THROUGH THE STREETS OF LANCASTER DURING THE RACE AGAINST RACISM. CLAY SHAW PHOTO

Boyer is a member of the Inside Track Racing Team, which won the Small Team Division of the Hamilton Watch Team Challenge. In the large team division, the Rotary Club of Lancaster won the team title.

A special thanks to all the sponsors, volunteers and participants for helping make the event successful and, most importantly, fun for all. Next year's race is slated for Saturday, April 26, 2003. Mark your calendars and plan to join us!