MOHAMMED AMYN WINS THE WHITE ROSE RUN. CLAY SHAW PHOTO

Russian Women Dominate 27th
York White Rose Run;
Mohammed Amyn Wins
2nd White Rose Title

BY CLAY SHAW

YORK, PA--Without a doubt the strongest women's field in the 27-year history of the White Rose, saw a pack of five international stars sprinting up Market Street to the finish. When the dust had cleared, Tatyana Petrova had won it in 26:54, steps ahead of her Russian teammate, Tatyana Chulakh, who also finished in 26:54. The pair had just flown into DC the day before and had a smashing USA debut in York on November 8.

Joulia Gromova, also from Russia, was one second back (26:55) in third, with Catherine Berry of Great Britain fourth in 27:00. Denisa Costescu of Romania was fifth in 27:07. In total, eleven women broke the 30-minute barrier, including Masters winner Lee DiPietro in 29:59. Defending champ, and 1996 USA Olympian, Kate Fonshell was sixth in 27:53.

A large pack of international and US runners stayed somewhat together in the early miles. This played into the strength of 2000 champ Mohammed Amyn. Amyn, who has competed in the European track circuit and has represented Morocco on several national teams, used his superior kick to distance himself from the rest of the pack to win in 24:00. Joseph Mwai of Kenya, who had won several races earlier in the Fall, was second in 24:02. Gabriel Muchiri of Kenya was third in 24:12. David Kipngetich of Kenya was fourth in 24:29. Ethiopia's Araya Haregot was fifth in 24:32. Russian Masters star Gennady Temnikov was seventh overall in 24:42, taking home cash for both Open and Masters.

The York White Rose for Diversity, Equality, and Non-Violence is a race not only for the elite athletes, but for the community as well. To support younger runners, the race is regularly held the second Saturday in November. This is a week after the Pennsylvania HS XC state championships. Runners 18 & under are allowed to enter free of charge. The race beneficiary, Noah's Place, was the recipient of $2,000, which was donated through the race. (Many runners generously donated extra money toward this important charity.) Noah's Place is a non-profit organization that provides therapeutic care for elderly adults who have Alzheimer's disease or related dementia in an adult day-services center.

DIANNA GOLDEN, 1ST FEMALE 50-54. CLAY SHAW PHOTO

Notable age-group records set in 2003 were by 10-year-old Jacy Christiansen in the women's 14 & under with a 31:56, breaking a record set 19 years ago. Jacy has four more years in the age category! Women's winner Tatyana Petrova broke the existing 20-24 record by 50 seconds with her 26:54 clocking. In the women's 60-64, Judy Gilbert of Stevenson, MD tied the 1999 mark of 39:32 set by Heide Moebius of Lancaster. Heidi was second in the age group in 2003. Masters star Lee DiPietro, who owns the 40-44 record, added the 45-49 mark with her 29:59 Masters win in 2003.

I would like to thank our main sponsor PeoplesBank. I would also like to thank our supporting sponsors: Susquehanna Pflatzgraff Co., the Yorktowne Hotel, the York Hospital Human Motion Institute, Ricke Brothers Auto Sales, Turkey Hill, Big Sky Bread, Good Stewards, and Flying Feet Sport Shoes. Please thank our sponsors for their generosity. We ask that you patronize their businesses whenever possible. Without their support, the White Rose Run could not continue. One more big thank you to all the volunteers that work hard to make the race the success that it is year after year. The 28th running will be Saturday, November 13, 2004. See you there.