Women dominate top spots at Gay Head 10K

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Molly Seidel of Watertown, Mass., streamed past the finish line in 35:01 to whooping cheers and cries of “girl power” as she became the first woman to take first place at the fifth Gay Head 10K.

The Notre Dame graduate was followed by teammates Helen Schlachtenhaufen and Paige Kouba, who grabbed second (37:14) and third (38:22), respectively. All three runners are members of the Boston-based Saucony Freedom Track Club.

Ms. Seidel looked ready to run another few miles as she caught her breath after the race. “That was the most beautiful race I’ve ever done,” she said.

Event organizer Martha Vanderhoop was thrilled to see the top three spots go to women. “I am so excited about that,” she said. “It’s so great since we have all these high school and middle school runners. It’s so inspirational for them to see the top spots go to those three girls.”

The top male runner was Mike Deasy of Falmouth, who finished fourth in 38:47.

Vineyard runners claimed 15 of the top 30 places. The fastest Vineyard runner was Ryan Sawyer of Edgartown, who finished fifth in 39:41. Following were Vito Aiello (8) of Edgartown, 41:23; Owen Porterfield (9) of Vineyard Haven, 41:54; Alex Leopold (11) of Chilmark, 43:29; Whit Hanschka (12) of Vineyard Haven; Otto Osmers (13) of West Tisbury; Peter Burke (16) of Vineyard Haven, 44:30; Chris Cajolet (18) of West Tisbury, 45:03; Daniel Rivard (19) of Edgartown, 45:20; Robert Rippcondi (21) of Vineyard Haven, 45:52; Adyler De Paula (22) of Oak Bluffs, 46:11; David Gaffey of Oak Bluffs (23), 46:14; Owen Atkins (27) of Oak Bluffs, 46:51; Isaac Richards (28) of West Tisbury, 46:54; and Michael Sellitti (29) of Aquinnah, 46:56.

In contrast to the drizzle and clouds of last year’s event, Sunday was a glorious day for running. The bright, cloudless sky and moderate temperatures drew 152 runners. A course that runners love for its beauty and serene views, the annual Gay Head 10K benefits the continued restoration and maintenance of the Gay Head Lighthouse.