Staff Report
Former United States Olympian Teresa Vaill of Gainesville, Fla. and Matt Boyles of Xenia, Ohio won the gold medals at the USA Track & Field National 10K Race Walk Championships on Saturday at Goat Island.
Despite the heat, both Vaill and Boyles easily distanced themselves from the rest of their competition and won $400 in prize money as part of USATF’s Race Walking Grand Prix events. Vaill finished in a time of 47:49 and Boyles crossed the tape in 42:48.
Allen James of Sanborn finished second in the men’s race and led his Niagara Walkers team, based in Western New York, to its third straight National Team Championship title with teammates Mel McGinnis and Marc Olshan. The women’s National Team Championship title went to the Pegasus Walking Club based in Michigan.
New York defended its championship in the Northeast Walks Cup, a team scoring event by State/Province sponsored by the Ontario Walkers. The New York men were led by James, Mike Kazmierczak and Leo Romero. The New York women completed the sweep once again and were led by Maria Michta, Laura Feller and Erin Taylor.
Junior athletes Ricardo & Roberto Vergara and Trevor Barron placed in the top ten. The twins from Texas, 16, were fifth and sixth and Barron, 14, was seventh.
Join the Niagara Walkers for the Summer Series this Wednesday. The Summer Series is a 10-week walking program that features an informative clinic and a 5K walk at your own pace around Beaver Island State Park. Information & registration forms can be found at the Niagara Walkers website or by calling Judy Bonafede at 759-8655.
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Men’s Results: Matt Boyles, 42:48; Allen James, 46:47; Rich Luettchau II, 47:53; Mike Kazmierczak, 48:34; Ricardo Vergara, 48:49.
Women’s Results: Teresa Vaill, 47:49; Rachel Lavallee, 49:37; Maria Michta, 49:42; Milexsis Sepulveda, 50:23; Jolene Moore, 50:51.
