Chiaro, Peterson first at FARC 5K; Howell’s Ottmer wins racewalk

Chiaro, Peterson first at FARC 5K; Howell’s Ottmer wins racewalk

After recessing for July Fourth, the Freehold Area Running Club’s Summer Race Series continued at Battlefield State Park last Wednesday night.

Chris Chiaro of Lakewood, a former distance star at Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft, turned in one of the fastest times in quite a while over the 5K course within the confines of the Manalapan park. He ripped off a 17:14 to easily capture the overall win. Ex-Manalapan High School distance star Eric Costello was runner-up after posting an 18:28. Hightstown’s Megan Peterson was the women’s overall winner cranking out a quick 19:30 that put her ahead of current Manalapan High School runner Erica Weitz, who was second in 20:16.

Howell’s Ben Ottmer continued his winning ways in the racewalking competition stepping off a 31:47 in finishing first overall. First among the women in the walking division was Noreen Boranian of Pennington (33:28).

The men’s age group winners were: Under 15, 1. Eric Johnson, Freehold (20:11), 2. Zack Carrol, Freehold (21:38), 3. Ryan McCulloch, Freehold, (21:38); 15-19, John Sladewski, Marlboro (19:38); 20-29, 1. Costello, 2. Eric Fersstrom, Monmouth Junction (18:41), 3. Rob Costello, Manalapan (21:07); 30-39, 1. Brian Roche, Freehold (19:16), 2. Javier Culderon, Lakewood (20:56), 3. Jeff Meltzer, Freehold (21:09); 40-44, Rich O’Brien, Princeton (18:45), 2. Mark Leary, Roselle Park (20:03), 3. Kerwin Lanz, Farmingdale (20:04); 45-49, 1. Keh Lohmeyer, Freehold (19:50), 2. Bob Saa, Howell (22:23), 3. Bob Peterson, Hightstown (23:39); 50-59, 1. Bill Hagman, Morris Plains (18:51) 2. Tony Bleach, Cranbury (22:41), 3. Rick Bessette, Freehold (24:45); and 60-69, 1. Ralph Garfield, Manalapan (22:10).

The women’s age group winners were: Under-15, 1. Weitz, 2. Hilary Lanz, Farmingdale; 15-19, 1. Jessica Vodofsky, Marlboro (26:14); 20-29, 1. Allison Halsey, Middletown (21:34), 2. Kelly Korz, Freehold (22:21), 3. Sandy Tatarynw, Toms River (23:05); 30-39, 1. Danielle Soldo, East Windsor (20:32), 2. Larissa Chomyts, Tinton Falls (24:37), 3. Dorothy Peterson, Manalapan (25:10); 40-49, 1. Pat Coyne, Freehold (25:43), 2. Deb Gulbin, Howell (26:15), 3. Eileen Korz, Freehold (26:27); 50-59, 1. Shirley Sullivan, Jackson (27:51), 2. Carolyn DeLuca, Manalapan (34:29).

The Summer Race Series continues this evening at the Battlefield State Park. Children’s races will start things off at 6 p.m. with the 5K slated for a 6:50 start. On Friday night, the FARC will present the 12th Annual 5K for Women at the Marlboro Recreation Center starting at 7:30. For more information on the race, call (732) 462-1573 or see the club’s Web site at www.farcnj.com.