South Nyack 10-Miler: Sun Shines, Gunther Wins

When the South Nyack 10-Mile Run rolls around every year on the second Sunday in September, you can count on two things: It will be a nice day, and Art Gunther will win the race. For the 24^th consecutive year, fair weather – brilliantly sunny, in fact – greeted the runners participating in this annual extravaganza. And for the 15^th time in 17 years, Art Gunther of Nyack crossed the finish line in first place, covering the out-and-back course in 54 minutes 44 seconds to win by more than a half-mile over runner-up Tim Kuklis of Sleepy Hollow. Kim Chalfin of Nanuet captured the women’s crown in 1:09:12, while Laura Dimarino of New City was second in 1:11:47.

Just over 400 runners registered for the race and there were 369 finishers. This year, for the first time, the race served as the USA Track & Field-New York 10-Mile Championship. Race proceeds benefited the Orangetown Fire Company No. 1 (South Nyack) and Piermont volunteer fire departments, the Nyack Ambulance Corps and Nyack soup kitchens. As always the scenic course drew rave reviews and thankfully there was no water on the Pier to wade through as there was last year. Race directors Mike Angarola, Kathleen Daly and Bernie Casserly along their volunteer help did an outstanding job administering the race, and thanks also go to the Clarkstown South and Clarkstown North track/cross country teams for serving as course marshals and water-stop attendants.