IRISH ROAD ROVER 5K, PORTLAND, MARCH 16

DECKER DELIVERS

Run for the first time this year, this race drew many away from
the 18th Annual Killarney's 10K in Waterville, in an unfortunate conflict
in race dates. Of course, many runners are more than happy with the
option of a shorter distance, so
an impressive field of 278 crossed the finish line.
Byrne Decker (15:38) had his hands full, with Scott Brown (15:41)
unwilling to concede until the finish. Kevin Way (15:44) handled Todd
Coffin (15:54) to round out the leading pack. Over a minute elapsed
before Kyle Rhodes (16:58) led master winner, Tom Dann (17:06) in to
start the flood of finishers. 1996 National Junior Olympic Cross Country
competitor, 12 year old Eric Johnson, finished in 21:36 in his first
Portland race.
Christine Snow-Reaser (18:16) was never challenged, leading
second place Gayla Underkoffler (19:12)across the line by almost one
minute. Laurel Valley (19:21) took third. Senior, Gretchen Read (20:48),
prevailed in the perennial duel with Master Carol Hogan (20:59) for
women's age group honors.

Men (Overall): 1. Byrne Decker 15:38; 2. Scott Brown 15:41; 3. Kevin Way
15:44; 4. Todd Coffin 15:54; 5. Kyle Rhoads 16:59; 6. Tom Dann 17:06;
Paul Johnson, Jr. 17:13; 8. Stu Hogan 17:18; 9. Barry Fifield 17:35; 10.
Benjamin Trevor 17:40.
Women (Overall): 1. Christine Snow Reaser 18:16; 2. Gayla Underkoffler
19:12; 3. Laurel Valley 19:21; 4. Marjorie Graff 19:44; 5. Jeanne Hackett
20:00; 6. Judy Mileson 20:27; 7. Martha Kelly 20:47; 8. Gretchen Read
20:48; 9. Carol Hogan 20:59; 10. Ellie Tucker 21:23.