Harwood XC wraps up Summer Fun Run series
Sept. 3, 2022 | By John Kerrigan
The Cutler family at the final Harwood XC Summer Fun Run includes four siblings, their mom, and a friend. (Left to right) Nicole, Heidi, Nathan, Matthew, MariJo Samojila, and Heather. Courtesy photo
The air was still and muggy but the runners that showed for the last Harwood Union Cross Country Fun Run of the season were fresh and excited to run.
The Cutler Family from Cobb Hill in Moretown was out in force in the hot and sultry conditions. Matriarch, Heidi was an honor student during her time at HU. Although she was never part of Kerrigan’s Army, she produced four runners who were: Heather, Nathan, Mathew and Nicole ran both Cross Country and Track for the Highlanders from 2004 – 2016. They brought along an honorary Cutler, Mathew’s friend, MaryJo Samojila of Maynard, Massachusetts.
Their closeness as a family was exemplified in their finish. Nathan (34:00), Nicole (34:01), Heidi (34:02), Matthew and Heather (34:16).
The siblings were a part of dozens of Vermont Track and Field, Nordic and Cross Country State titles during their tenure at Harwood.
Heidi Hales of Waterbury was the top female in a time of 30:26. Peter Pomerantz was the top male finisher, taking time from building fine cabinetry to blaze around the course in a time of 23:48.
This was the final Fun Run of the 2022 summer. Plans for one additional run on Labor Day have been canceled due to availability of volunteers. Proceeds from the weekly runs will support the Harwood Cross Country team’s travels to out-of-state meets this fall.
Look for the informal events to return in 2023.
FUN RUN RESULTS from Monday, Aug. 22
August 24, 2022 | By John KerriganHarwood XC alumnus Mike Griffith of Waterbury repeated his victory from last week in a time of 22:29, a 10-second improvement.
Jon Floyd of Waterbury Center placed second in a time of 22:51. The Harwood Middle School Nordic coach remarked that he was expecting more hills.
(Fun Run organizers kid that they purposely use the easier trails to attract beginning runners.)
Renee Ross of Waterbury Center placed first overall for women in a time of 55:09. Local triathlete and Harwood XC alumnus Heidi Higgins Cutler of Moretown followed Ross in a time of 37:07.
Heather Lessor of Moretown with sons Maverick and Ryder in tow won the Double Stroller division in an impressive time of 40:32.
Harwood Fun Runs take place every Monday with the last one scheduled for Labor Day, Sept. 5.
Registration is at 6 p.m. There are three events: a Kids Fun Run, a 3K and a 5K. No fee for kids; the $5 fee for all others supports the Harwood XC team with costs to travel to Belfast, Maine, and the Maine Festival of Champions later this fall.
Harwood XC Fun Runs appeal to all ages
Aug. 19, 2022 | By John Kerrigan 
Aug. 15 Harwood XC Fun Run participants. Courtesy photo
After an Aug. 8 cancellation due to thunderstorms, the Monday night Harwood XC Fun Run this week had excellent conditions.
Skies were clear and temps were in the lower 60s with low humidity – a welcome change to the oppressive heat and humidity that they experienced two weeks previous.
More than two dozen runners participated in a variety of races.
The Kids Fun Run was a close battle between the Dabrowski twins (age 2) from Waterbury Center. Ethan nipped his identical twin brother at the finish with an impressive time of 2:45. The siblings hugged at the finish and – still super-charged – they continued to run around the athletic fields. Mom, Emily, got an extra workout running alongside the boys and continuing to chase them around when the race was over.
Identical twins, Ethan and Grant Dabowski, age 2, who finished first and second in the Kids Fun Run. Courtesy photo
Sanders Kasvinsky. Courtesy photo
Sanders Kasvinsky (age 9) of South Duxbury won the 3K race (male division) with a time of 18:17. Kasvinsky’s backyard on Turner Hill is a familiar training spot for HU XC because of its hilly terrain.
Logan Lora on the course. Courtesy photo
Olivia Lora (age 9) of Waterbury finished first in the 3K (female division) with an impressive time of 22:20. She closely followed older brother Logan (age 11) most of the race. Logan finished second overall with a time of 19:08.
A variety of runners participated in the 5K.
Harwood class of 2000 alumnus Mike Griffith (22:29) edged present Harwood Girls Team Captain Charlie Flint (22:50). Charlie was followed by former multiple State Champion Bruce Hyde who is one of only three HU runners to break 16 minutes in a XC 5K. He also is one of the only Vermonters to break 4 minutes in the mile.
It was nice to see Mike and Bruce come out and support the team. Matt Dugan won the Masters Male Division in a time of 26:48. Heidi Hales won the Masters Female Division in 30:10.
Harwood XC alumni (left to right): Jake Pitman, Mike Griffith, Bruce Hyde, with local runner Matt Dugan of Waterbury. Courtesy photo
Harwood Fun Runs will continue until Monday, Sept. 5, with registration at 6 p.m. and races starting at 6:30 p.m. There is a $5 entry fee for the 3k and 5K. Kids participate for free. Proceeds support the high school team’s travels to out-of-state competitions in the fall.
John Kerrigan is head coach for Harwood Cross Country.