Spirits Run High at Road Race

track star Chaz Davis blew away the field this morning at the 22nd annual Grafton Gazebo 5-mile Race.

Davis, 17, covered the five miles in slightly more than 28 minutes. His winning time of 28:03.48 was more than four minutes faster than his nearest competitor.

The second place finisher, Kang Nam, 14, finished at 32:32:49.

Natalie Punt, 27, clocked in at 35:43:41 and was the top female finisher.

Camaraderie and good sportsmanship ruled the day, as spectator and fellow runners lined the finish line to cheer on every finisher.

The race, described by many competitors as challenging and hilly, wove through some of the town's most scenic roadways. The race began in front of the Station and ended at the parking lot.

The top 10 finishers were Davis, Nam, Henry Chosta, 41, 33:15:53; Fulvio Abela, 53, 34:12:79; Gary Dionne, 46, 34:34:85; Daniel Maller, 30, 34:39:13; Mark Abair, 32, 34:47:96; Lester Forgit, 54, 35:04:97; Russell Boulette, 47, 35:16:22; and Natalie Punt, 27, 35:43:41.

Top finishers by category:

14 and under, women: Emily Peacock, 41:47; Liesl Siemen, 42:01; Gillian Crowley, 45:49; Erika Smith, 46:50 and Ryann Forte, 47:46.

20-29 women: Natalie Punt, 35:44; Tracy Howell, 39:59; Jennifer Oleary, 40:30; Katherine Mills, 41:15; and Kristine Kiley, 41:42.

30-39 women: Alicia Hall, 41:19; Tara Cassery, 41:56; Anastasia Mm, 42:04; Lee Ann Marchionna, 43:41 and Jessica Melo, 44:17.

40-49 women: Lori Muhr, 36:18; Anita Bugan, 37:55; Kelley Powers, 38:27; Lauri Tenney, 39:06; Lori Belfiore, 41:56.

50-59: Jacqueline Vigeant, 49:27; Cheryl Dujwic, 50:59; Anne Baskowski, 51:01; Maureen Booker, 55:15; Judy Gilmore, 1:00:22.

60-plus: 1. Deborah Prewitt, 54:18.

Under 14 men: Kang Nam, 32:33; Thomas Kaushinskie, 35:59; Rider Muhr, 36:38; Austin Davis, 37:25; Conor Carroll, 38:58.

15-19 men: Chaz Davis (overall race winner), 28:04; Benjamin Sarkis, 36:18; Daniel m, 37:18; Sean Rowell, 38:16; James Pilczak, 40:06.

20-29 men: Scott Nicholson, 36:41; Rob Auger, 37:09; Dave Erickson, 38:16; Chris Martinsen, 39:39; James Lindsey, 39:52.

30-39 men: Daniel Maller, 34:40; Mark Abair, 34:48; Benedict Blomberg, 36:56; Matt Boris, 38:24; Jamey Poirier, 43:14.

40-49 men: Henry Chosta, 33:16; Gary Dionne, 34:36; Russell Boulette, 35:17; Jim Dyer, 35:48; Brennan Wall, 35:50.

50-59 men: Fulvio Abela, 34:13; Lester Forgit, 35:05; Bob Shumeyko, 36:22; Shawn McAvery, 36:31; Bill Donaghy, 36:39.

60 and over, men: Roland Marinello, 36:36; John Hurley, 39:43; Stephen McDonough, 40:04; James Mulcahy, 43:23, Dick Buxton, 43:23.

For more race photos, check out Thursday's Viewfinder feature.