TRR photo by Richard A. Ross Runners queue up at the starting line for the eighth annual Jeff Jam 5k race on August 9. (Click for larger image)

Jeff Jam 5K draws runners from near and far

By RICHARD A. ROSS

JEFFERSONVILLE, NY — A field of 94 runners lined up at the starting line on August 9 for the eighth annual Jeff Jam five-kilometer run. Featuring a scenic run around Lake Jefferson with a major hill, the course was described by runners as “challenging.”

Runners comprising age groups from 12 and under to 60 and older took off down route 52, vying against age mates and personal best times on a warm and humid morning.

Keith Johnson of Washingtonville came in first overall with a time of 16:23. Sullivan West senior Ian Parnett, who turned in a time of 17:19, followed him.

	TRR photo by Richard A. Ross Keith Johnson of Washingtonville took first place overall with a time of 16:23. (Click for larger image)

Johnson said Parnett gave him a good run, but Parnett was far from satisfied with his performance. This summer, the standout runner has been living and training with coach George Shakelton. A few weeks ago, Parnett broke a course record in Hancock with a time of 16:11. His hard summer training regimen is bound to pay off in both cross-country and track this year.

April Ackerman, also of Sullivan West, was the overall female winner with a time of 21:02. Ackerman is coming off of a terrific track season this past spring that took her to states.

Sullivan West cross-country and track coach George Shakelton of Hancock, NY came in third overall with a time of 17:33. Other Sullivan West runners used the race as a pre-season tune-up, including Trevor Kreznar (19:28), who took first in the 13-15 male category, Matt Gain (20:20), Amanda Ward (22:24), Jamie Clifford (23:15) and Eleanor Bryan (21:15).

	TRR photo by Richard A. Ross Matt Gain of Kenoza Lake crosses the finish line. Gain took second place in the 13-15 male category with a time of 20:20. Gain will be running cross-country for Sullivan West this year. (Click for larger image)

The following runners also took first place in their categories: walker: Lisa Mathern of Livingston Manor (41:44); 12 and under female: Ruthie Rosenberger of Lancaster- 22:35; 13-15 female: Jamie Clifford (23:15); 16-19 female: Katie Morton of Bloomingburg (24:24); 16-19 male: Kyle Layton (home town not listed) (18:48); 20-29 female: Selena Ferrara of Livingston Manor (25:35); 20-29 male: Mark Nicoletti of Jeffersonville (23:48); 30-39 female: Kerry Buckley of Liberty (22:37); 30-39 male: Andy McKean of Jeffersonville (18:19); 40-49 female: Lisa Layman of Jeffersonville (26:43); 40-49 male: Ted Delaunnay of Chester (17:38); 50-59 female: Pam Rosenburger of Lancaster (29:39); 50-59 male: Ken Lohmeyer (home town not listed) (19:33); and 60 and over: Phil Brennan of Chester (24:57).

The winning team entry was Jeff Bank, represented by George Shakelton, Ian Parnett and Andy McKeon. See additional photos and results here.