Wakefield holds 10th annual marathon; Boston qualifier

By KELSEY HANSEN

[email protected]

Wakefield - The 10th annual First National Bank of Wakefield Marathon took place Saturday morning, with a record 27 individuals finishing.

The 26.2 mile race around Sunday Lake began in foggy morning conditions that eventually cleared away to a perfect day for running.

Hand cyclist Dean Juntunen, 55, of Mass City, negotiated 9 plus laps around the 2.8 mile route that circles Sunday Lake in 2:05:45.

There were two aid/water stations spaced 1.4 miles apart. Conditions were ideal for the runners as well as all the spectators around Sunday Lake cheering them on.

Alyssa Kaplan, 23, St. Paul, Minn., was the first runner to cross the finish line in 3:21:58. It was Kaplan's fourth marathon and the first time a woman was the first runner to cross the Wakefield Marathon finish line.

"My first marathon was Grandma's in Duluth in 2012," said Kaplan, a veteran of the 2014 Boston Marathon. "Boston was great. With crowds literally from the start to the finish and every where in between, it was easy to stay motivated."

Kaplan also appreciated the Wakefield experience.

"Today I was so excited to experience the small marathon in Wakefield. Everyone running was so kind and the volunteers were wonderful," she said.

"A small marathon tests your own strength and ability to push through despite minimal participants, but I wouldn't have had it any other way. Thanks to everyone for all the fun and support, I'm sure I'll be back to experience it all again."

Bert Stella, 60, Hurley, was the first male to cross the finish line in 3:53:02.

"Bert is running strong at all distances this year and had a real nice marathon," race director Jim Engel said.

Stella was followed closely by Marcie Rajala, 51, Mohawk, 3:54:30; Stacy Caudell, 62, Hendersonville, N.C., 3:58:42; and Dan Jerzak, 58, Rhinelander, Wis., 4:04:16.

Juntunen and Engel have run all 10 Wakefield events while Engel's daughter, Janelle, has been the official timer each.

Several volunteers helped make the race a smooth event, helping time racers and passing out water, Gatorade for the runners.

The marathon was free to participate but donations were accepted for the Semper Fi Fund, which provides financial assistance to wounded Marines and their families.

Despite being a free event, all participants received a T-shirt. The course is certified by USA Track & Field and the race is a Boston Marathon qualifier.

2015 finishers include:

Overall hand-cycle winner: Dean Juntunen, M, 55, Mass City, 2:05:45

Overall Female winner: Alyssa Kaplan, F, 23, St. Paul, Minn., 3:21:58

Overall Male winner: Bert Stella, M, 60, Hurley, 3:53:02

1. Marcie Rajala, F, 51, Mohawk, 3:54:30

2. Stacy Caudell, M, 62, Hendersonville, N.C., 3:58:42

3. Dan Jerzak, M, 58, Rhinelander, Wis., 4:04:16

4. Danielle Spuzak, F, Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada, 4:09:16

5. Jed Schilling, M, 42, Marshfield, Wis., 4:12:32

6. Danette Hellmann, F, 43, Almena, Wis., 4:13:33

7. John Nemcek, M, 54, Minocqua, Wis., 4:14:18

8. Jim Waters, M, 58, Ontonagon, 4:16:23

9. Bill Sved, M, 67, Marquette, 4:24:19

10. Marit Janse, F, 54, Fenton, MI 4:33:00

11. Karen Downs, F, 54, Flint, 4:38:24

12. James Engel, M, 60, Wakefield, 4:47:33

13. Dick Draxler, M, 66, San Francisco, Calif. (Wakefield), 4:49:24

14. Mike King, M, 44, Superior, Wis., 4:51:53

15. Joyce Gayan, F, 63, Gile, Wis., 4:55:52

16. Sandy Pera, F, 54, Wakefield, 4:58:32

17. Neil Schroeter, M, 58, Ironwood, 5:02:23

18. Donna Thackwray, F, 56, Marquette, 5:08:59

19. Joyce Lewinski, F, 68, Minocqua, Wis., 5:13:58

20. Shelia Gregor, F, 54, Hurley, 5:37:19

21. Michelle Niemela Miller, F, 35, Pelkie, (Wakefield), 5:38:29

22. Rob Klein, M, 58, Paradise, 5:55:19

23. Larry Grow, M, 70, Traverse City, 6:10:28

Donna Gering, F, 50, Ironwood, MI 4:03:00 (ran early)