Sanders sets course record at Sharon Classic

SHARON — The 26th annual Sharon Classic Road Race, held on the morning of Saturday, May 7, brought about a new overall course record of 24 minutes and 59 seconds from 24-year-old William Sanders of Wethersfield, Conn. This was the first time that Sanders competed in Sharon’s 5-mile race.The first female to cross the line was 40-year-old Claudia Nero of Hopewell Junction, N.Y., who ran the race for the third time. She came in with a time of 30 minutes and 47 seconds. Nero set a record for the fastest women’s time (28 minutes and 38 seconds), in her first year, and that time remains the record.The weather certainly contributed to the good overall times. It was cool and dry, with temperatures in the mid-60s.According to race organizer Karen Dignacco, 120 people signed up for the race, but only 110 actually ran. There were 20 or 30 walkers, and more than 30 or more children who participated in the two children’s events.The younger children participated in a fun run, and children 12 and under could also participate in the Not-Quite-a-Mile race. Children as young as 11 competed in the main 5-mile race; 13-year-old Jackson Morrow placed 11th against the adults.The winner of the Not-Quite-a-Mile race was Sharon’s Zachary Ongley. The first female finisher was Courtney Roux. Runners came predominantly from Connecticut, but many were also from New York and Massachusetts. Two runners from Texas competed, and there were two octogenarians.Click here for more on the day's activities.Full racing results can be found online at www.greystoneracing.net.