Third time is the charm for HU XC Fun Run
July 28, 2023 | By John Kerrigan Runners at the start of the July 25 Harwood XC Fun Run. Left to right: Patrick Brophy (539), Carrie (498) and Maya Brophy (492), Celia Wing (471), Hazel Lillis (540), Cooper Hansel (484); in back are Harwood XC Coach Jake Pitman and Atticus Ellis. HU XC Coach Tom Cahalan is on the far left as well as parent Susannah Cowden. Photo by Linda Thomas
Mother Nature has been harsh this summer. Flooding and torrential thunderstorms forced the Harwood Cross Country team to cancel their first two fun runs on July 11 and again on July 18.
However, skies were clear and trails were significantly drier for the third scheduled Fun Run on July 25. Coaches John Kerrigan, Tom Cahalan and Jake Pitman welcomed seven runners.
Carrie Brophy, age 5, of Fayston, winner of the Kids Fun Run. Photo by John Kerrigan
Sisters Carrie Brophy (age 5) and Maya Brophy (age 3) went one and two respectively in the Kids Fun Run. Carrie’s time was 2:48 and younger sister Maya ran the half-kilometer course in 3:39.
Seven runners towed the line for the start of the 5K run. Leading for the men was Harwood alumnus and Assistant XC Coach Jake Pitman of Waterbury, who won easily with a time of 24:00.
He was followed by junior Atticus Ellis of Fayston in 25:35 and close behind was senior Cooper Hansel of Waterbury in 25:36. Patrick Brophy of Fayston finished in a time of 25:50 to lead the Masters division.
Left to right: Atticus Ellis, Patrick Brophy, Cooper Hansel and Jake Pitman contend for the lead during the season’s first Fun Run. Pitman, Harwood's Assistant XC coach, finished first. Photo by Linda Thomas
Senior Hazel Lillis and junior Celia Wing both of Waterbury finished in a tie with a time of 28:10.
Harwood Fun Runs take place every Tuesday during the summer on the beautiful Harwood XC trails.
Registration is at 6 p.m. The Kids Fun Run (under 7) begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by 3k and 5K Fun Runs at 6:45 p.m. Runners/walkers of all ages and abilities are invited to take part and spectators are encouraged to cheer on the runners.
Fees: Kids race is free. There is a $5 charge for the 3K and 5K. Individual season passes are available for $15 and family passes are $30.
Proceeds benefit the Harwood XC team and their quest to participate in the Maine Festival of Champions in Belfast, Maine, on Sept. 30. Donations (to Friends of Harwood XC) are accepted as well by check to Harwood Union High School, 453 Route 100 Moretown, Vermont, Attention: Harwood XC.
The next fun run will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 1. For any last-minute weather changes, check Coach Jake Pitman’s Facebook page.
John Kerrigan is Harwood Cross Country Head Coach.