Sharon Classic goes down in record books

SHARON — They call it the Sharon Classic for a reason, and indeed the race was a classic. One hundred and twenty-four racers participated in the 24th annual race, with more than 30 children participating in the kids fun run.

The temperature during the race Saturday, May 2, was around 50 degrees, with a gray overcast sky and drizzle falling off and on during the day. Organizer Karen Dignacco said it was perfect racing weather.

“We’re going to see some records fall today,†Dignacco said.â€I was pretty optimistic that lots of people would show up.â€

Also optimistic was Claudia Camargo of Hopewell Junction, N.Y., who broke the women’s record at the race with a time of 28 minutes and 38 seconds. The old record was set by Martha Perkins in 2002.

“To win at races you need discipline,†Camargo said. “If you’re tired, you run. If you’re hurt, you run. You have to force yourself.â€

The winner of the race itself was Marc Robaczynski from New Hartford, with a time of 26 minutes and 39 seconds.

Even those who did not win enjoyed participating in the race itself, including Jenny Hansell of Sharon.

“If I can do it, everyone can do it,†Hansell said. “The course has some tough hills, but it is not a killer.â€

As “NASCAR†Dave MacMillan of WHDD-91.9FM radio station was barbecuing burgers under a tent, Joe Loverro at WQQQ-103.3FM was broadcasting live.

The race event itself also had activities for children, including a bounce house, several sets of LEGOs and a children’s fun run.

The proceeds from the race help to pay for tuition for local families who need it and to maintain the day care’s facility. At press time, there was no estimate on how much was raised at the event.

Sharon Classic road race results
The Sharon Classic road race to benefit the day care center was held May 2. Complete race results can be found online at greystoneracing.net (click on Race Results, the Sharon Classic is the first race listed). For more photos and a story, turn to Page A4.

Overall winner

Marc Robaczynski, New Hartford, 26:39

Women’s winner

Claudia Camargo, Hopewell Junction, N.Y., 28:38

Top five, men’s

Marc Robaczynski, New Hartford, 26:39

John Posey, Sharon, 28:30

Jim Zoldy, Watertown, 28:45

James Boeding, Millerton, New York, 28:58

Jhonny Camacho, Torrington, 30:25

Top five, women’s

Claudia Camargo, Hopewell Junction, N.Y., 28:38

Malika Mejdoub, Sharon, 29:09

Connie Seigh, Pleasant Valley, N.Y., 31:41

Sara Belles, Brookfield, 31:57

Zofia Wieciorkowska, Stratford, 32:38

Young racers

Scott Dignacco, 10, Sharon, 44:14

Elliot Gabrielson, 9, Sharon, 51:44

Erik Gabrielson, 12, Sharon, 1:02:02

Older racers

Barett Thomas, 68, West Cornwall, 42:22

Bob Marum, 68, Simsbury, 45:44

Fiske Warren, 69, New York City, 52:56

Edward Regner, 80, Torrington, 1:03:12

Top five local finishers

John Posey, Sharon, 28:30

Malika Mejdoub, Sharon, 29:09

Bob Kent, Lakeville, 34:17

Paul Atkinson, Sharon, 35:09

Eric Seibold, Sharon, 35:16