Chicago weekend running recap: St. Paddy's and March Madness

March 16, 2:56 PMRunning ExaminerBrenda Barrera

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Bob St. Joseph is dressed for the occasion!

Chicagoland runners welcomed a much-needed break from Old Man Winter this past weekend as runners participated in two favorite events.  In Lincoln Park, many runners sporting Irish themed outfits participated in the St. Paddy’s Day 5K Run/Walk.   (Be sure to check back for more race photos!)

Top finisher were
Men
1. Eamonn Prizy, 18, Schaumburg, IL -16:26
2. David Fallon, 33, Chicago IL - 16:28
3. Nathan Kennedy, 23, Bolingbrook, IL - 16:31

Women
1. Christine Anderson, 27, Chicago IL - 20:15
2. Yecenia Sanchez, Chicago IL - 20:33
3. Jessica Thibodeau, 26, Ann Arbor MI -  20:54

Out in Cary, the March Madness Half Marathon put on by the Hillstriders Running Club (a great tune-up for the Boston Marathon) had unseasonably nice weather and a turnout of top-notch local talent. The overall winner was Ryan Giuliano, 24, from Schaumburg in 1:12:20.  He was followed by Davie Strubbe, 27, from Chicago in 1:13:07 and then Greg Castady, 35, from Homewood followed with his 1:13:35.  In the women’s field Cari Setzler, 30, from Wonder Lake finished first in 1:25:17 and right behind her was Shannon Fitzgerald, 26, from Rockford in 1:25:46 and Kristen Jordan, 34, from Palatine was third in 1:27:49.  Top masters honors went to Chicago’s Bob Mathews who crossed the line fourth in 1:15:29 and Cary’s Ann Schaefers-Coles, a two-time U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier, who ran 1:30:30.
 
Lastly, I just wanted to mention a local high school runner who’s name I want to put on your radar if it’s not already:  Lukas Verzbikas.  This Lincoln-Way Central uber talented runner set a national high school record this past weekend in Boston at the Nike Indoor Nationals of 14:18.42 for the 5K and won the two mile in a freshman record 8:57.44!  Here's a good meet recap from www.letsrun.com. Another note:  Two years ago when he was just 14, he ran a 26:34 for the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K.