Irene Can't Stop Annual Cross Country Challenge

Despite the threat of oncoming Hurricane Irene, 145 hardy harriers competed in the Sachem Cross Country Challenge earlier Saturday.

The 5 Kilometer (3.1 miles) race was held on the Tom Toscano Cross Country Course at Sachem High School East in high humidity, light rain, and temperatures in the high seventies.

The race was won by Terrence McElhatten in 17:53 with Eric Haun just steps behind at 17:58.

The top woman was Rachel Paul of Sachem East whose time of 20:16 was almost two minutes ahead of the 21:55 posted by Christen Christobal.

Sponsored by SYAG and the Tom Toscano Foundation, proceeds are earmarked towards running camp expenses for SYAG athletes, with additional support provided by local retailers Super Runner Shop, Schwabs 2nd Wind, and Sayville Running Company.

Many competitors, along with numerous first time cross country runners will be competing in the Run To Remember on this same course in two weeks.

The Run To Remember, a fundraiser for a community 9/11 memorial, is being organized by a committee of Sachem staff members led by Sachem East Principal Rory Manning.

Check out the final results list from the event in PDF form in the gallery above.