10K/5K
Both the 10k and 5k races begin simultaneously in front of B'nai Tikvah. The races proceed downhill on Washington St. together past the 1 mile marker. Shortly after, the 5k takes a right onto Wentworth Rd., and then another right onto Tilden Rd where there is a water stop on the left side of the street. At the end of Tilden Rd., the course takes a left onto Redman Rd. followed by a right turn back onto Wentworth. At the end of Wentworth, take a right turn onto Randolph St. The second mile of the 5k is predominantly uphill. Follow Randolph St. to end and then turn left on Washington St. back to the temple. Last mile is downhill, then flat.
The 10k course continues downhill on Washington St. and takes a left on Hubbard St., left on Sutcliffe Ave., then right on Hillcrest. The two mile mark and water are on the left. At the end of Hillcrest course takes a left onto Pinedale which turns into Brooksweld. At the end of Brooksweld take a left onto Hemlock Rd. Hemlock is a significant uphill. At end take a left onto Greenlodge St. The three mile mark is just past the entrance to the Hoosic Country Club. Greenlodge is downhill. Course takes a left onto Elm St., a beautiful but challenging portion of the race. There are two short but fairly steep hills in this section.
A second water stop is located between the 4th and 5th mile. At the end of Elm take a left onto Dedham St. This turn is part of a hill which starts on Elm and ends approximately at the 5 mile mark. Proceed down Dedham to end and turn right on Washington back to the temple.
Splits are given in the 10K at miles 1, 3 and 5.
Splits in 5k at 1 mi. only
The 5k and 10k both start at 8:30AM
Both the 10k and 5k races begin simultaneously in front of B'nai Tikvah. The races proceed downhill on Washington St. together past the 1 mile marker. Shortly after, the 5k takes a right onto Wentworth Rd., and then another right onto Tilden Rd where there is a water stop on the left side of the street. At the end of Tilden Rd., the course takes a left onto Redman Rd. followed by a right turn back onto Wentworth. At the end of Wentworth, take a right turn onto Randolph St. The second mile of the 5k is predominantly uphill. Follow Randolph St. to end and then turn left on Washington St. back to the temple. Last mile is downhill, then flat.
The 10k course continues downhill on Washington St. and takes a left on Hubbard St., left on Sutcliffe Ave., then right on Hillcrest. The two mile mark and water are on the left. At the end of Hillcrest course takes a left onto Pinedale which turns into Brooksweld. At the end of Brooksweld take a left onto Hemlock Rd. Hemlock is a significant uphill. At end take a left onto Greenlodge St. The three mile mark is just past the entrance to the Hoosic Country Club. Greenlodge is downhill. Course takes a left onto Elm St., a beautiful but challenging portion of the race. There are two short but fairly steep hills in this section.
A second water stop is located between the 4th and 5th mile. At the end of Elm take a left onto Dedham St. This turn is part of a hill which starts on Elm and ends approximately at the 5 mile mark. Proceed down Dedham to end and turn right on Washington back to the temple.
Splits are given in the 10K at miles 1, 3 and 5.
Splits in 5k at 1 mi. only
The 5k and 10k both start at 8:30AM
RACE RECAP
The 36th annual Canton Fall Classic drew its usual loyal field with over half the participants having run in the event previously. Between the senior walk, kid’s fun run, 5 and 10k races there were over 400 finishers.
12 year old Leah Miceli was the only defending champion on race day. Despite running 10 seconds faster than last year, Elizabeth Traphagen took the top spot in the 5k running 19:42. Leah’s second place was again the top female Canton finisher. In the 5k men’s race Hurtin’ For Certain (HFC) Strider teammates Jacob Dubin and Josh Miller went 1-2 with each of the top three runners having 45 seconds breathing room. 13 yr old Jon Iriarte was the first Canton male averaging just a drop under 6 minutes per mile and placing 4th.
In the 10k, the race for the men was decidedly closer. Eric Sandrib led by 3 seconds at 3 miles and after the Elm St hills the margin was still tight with Eric at 29:50 and Patrick Daly 5 seconds behind. Patrick closed well on the slightly uphill Dedham St. segment and crossed the finish in 36:59 with Eric 4 seconds back. For the women, Canton’s Katherine Maiorisi held a steady 6:49 pace and comfortably won in 42:20. Hannah Souza finished a little over a minute back.
Another pair of HFC teammates 73 yr old Bob Ruel and 65 yr old Robert McCormack topped the age grade tables at 82.5%.
In the fun run it was a sister/brother combination at the front with Samantha Tighe placing first overall and younger brother Benjamin placing third. Teagan McAdams broke up the family affair with her second place run.
Full results can be found at: https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/150988
The 36th annual Canton Fall Classic drew its usual loyal field with over half the participants having run in the event previously. Between the senior walk, kid’s fun run, 5 and 10k races there were over 400 finishers.
12 year old Leah Miceli was the only defending champion on race day. Despite running 10 seconds faster than last year, Elizabeth Traphagen took the top spot in the 5k running 19:42. Leah’s second place was again the top female Canton finisher. In the 5k men’s race Hurtin’ For Certain (HFC) Strider teammates Jacob Dubin and Josh Miller went 1-2 with each of the top three runners having 45 seconds breathing room. 13 yr old Jon Iriarte was the first Canton male averaging just a drop under 6 minutes per mile and placing 4th.
In the 10k, the race for the men was decidedly closer. Eric Sandrib led by 3 seconds at 3 miles and after the Elm St hills the margin was still tight with Eric at 29:50 and Patrick Daly 5 seconds behind. Patrick closed well on the slightly uphill Dedham St. segment and crossed the finish in 36:59 with Eric 4 seconds back. For the women, Canton’s Katherine Maiorisi held a steady 6:49 pace and comfortably won in 42:20. Hannah Souza finished a little over a minute back.
Another pair of HFC teammates 73 yr old Bob Ruel and 65 yr old Robert McCormack topped the age grade tables at 82.5%.
In the fun run it was a sister/brother combination at the front with Samantha Tighe placing first overall and younger brother Benjamin placing third. Teagan McAdams broke up the family affair with her second place run.
Full results can be found at: https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/150988
Registration is now open!
With 35 years of experience the Canton Fall Classic has a rich history, but every race is unique and adds its own chapter. For the men’s race, 2024 past champion for the 5k in 22 and 10k in 23 Trevor Wysong had relocated to Florida so both races provided opportunities for a new champ. For the women, none of the winners from the past two years were present and a new face was guaranteed to top the podium. Louis Raffetto was on the starting line and as a 5 time past champion (4 in the 5k/1 in the 10k) there was no guarantee on the men’s side.
The combined 5k and 10k men’s field passed the mile in 5:12 with the top woman passing the same mark in 5:28. After the turn onto Wentworth the 5k became a battle of two master runners – Raffetto and Adrian Massie from Newport, RI. Massie prevailed by 6 seconds – in the process turning in the fastest masters time in the past 29 years. 11 year old! Leah Miceli won the women’s race by almost two minutes. Raffetto was the top Canton finisher in the 5k and 2d place finisher Samantha Nagle was the top Canton female in the 5k.
In the 10k HFC strider teammates Peter Theuerkauf and Mike DiTocco went 1-2 with Theuerkauf passing 3 miles in 15:53 enroute to a 33:44 finish. DiTocco finished almost a minute back in 34:41. Line Melby of Cambridge won the women’s race in 41:47 over two minutes ahead of Juliana Dudziak of Sharon. Top Canton finishers were Michael Devlin and Rose Vogel.
In the fun run (assumed) twins Ilsa and Tory Fernsten went 1-2 with Ilsa taking the top spot overall by about 20 seconds. Following close behind was the brother sister combo of Mason and Jenna Merriam.
As has been the custom in previous years a hardy group of 20+ young at heart walkers began the day on a high note with the Senior Walk which follows the same route as the fun run.
The combined 5k and 10k men’s field passed the mile in 5:12 with the top woman passing the same mark in 5:28. After the turn onto Wentworth the 5k became a battle of two master runners – Raffetto and Adrian Massie from Newport, RI. Massie prevailed by 6 seconds – in the process turning in the fastest masters time in the past 29 years. 11 year old! Leah Miceli won the women’s race by almost two minutes. Raffetto was the top Canton finisher in the 5k and 2d place finisher Samantha Nagle was the top Canton female in the 5k.
In the 10k HFC strider teammates Peter Theuerkauf and Mike DiTocco went 1-2 with Theuerkauf passing 3 miles in 15:53 enroute to a 33:44 finish. DiTocco finished almost a minute back in 34:41. Line Melby of Cambridge won the women’s race in 41:47 over two minutes ahead of Juliana Dudziak of Sharon. Top Canton finishers were Michael Devlin and Rose Vogel.
In the fun run (assumed) twins Ilsa and Tory Fernsten went 1-2 with Ilsa taking the top spot overall by about 20 seconds. Following close behind was the brother sister combo of Mason and Jenna Merriam.
As has been the custom in previous years a hardy group of 20+ young at heart walkers began the day on a high note with the Senior Walk which follows the same route as the fun run.
Download an application and mail it along with your payment to:
Canton Fall Classic
c/o B'nai Tikvah
1301 Washington St.
Canton, MA 02021
Canton Fall Classic
c/o B'nai Tikvah
1301 Washington St.
Canton, MA 02021
Recap of the 31st Annual Canton Fall Classic
While the Canton Fall Classic can’t match the Fourth of July Canton race for longevity, there is a long history behind the event. Over the years the race has developed its own “personality” and there have been common themes from year to year. One of the most dominant aspects to the race has been the return of participants from year to year. The race has become an annual gathering of old time friends and families tied to the running community. It has also been a race where top finishers come back to compete.
2019 featured three past winners returning to defend their titles successfully. Christine Howe notched her third Canton Fall Classic 10k victory in 41.54 and 2018 10k winner Eric Greenspan was a runaway winner with a time of 34.53. 2018 5k champion Lauren Tarvin (20.36) had a comfortable margin this year over Sophia Grammenos (21.58). The lone newcomer to the award podium was Thomas Stirrat (17.33) with a 22 second margin over Adam Greenspan. In a stellar performance newly minted 60 yr old Brenda Egizi (22.27) took 30 seconds off last year’s time and was the top female master (over 40). Similarly, 67 yr old Bob Ruel took it to the younger crowd finishing 7th overall with a sub 7:00 minute mile average (42.18).
Fun run winners were Evan Najjar and Kayleigh Mann.
The senior walk was again a tribute to our elderly community. This year’s event featured at least one 100 yr old participant.
Race directors Harvey Blonder, Melissa Mayer and Andrew Baizen would like to thank major sponsors: MS Walker, Orchard Cove, Bank of Canton, Dedham Savings Bank, Shelia Donovan Pilates, Republic Plumbing, Envision Bank, Marathon Physical Therapy, Mahoney Law Group, Prime Motor Group, Cross Country Mortgage, Max Challenge, Frank Lamparelli Oil, John Dolan Kitchen and Bath, Ed Hart Septic, Joshua Cohen, Neil Cohen, Compete Indoor Sports and Copperworks Condominiums.
We would also like to thank our donors: Tree Top Adventures, Elite Health and Fitness, CAF Pension, and Marathon Sports.
Merchandise donors included: MS Walker, Grillo’s Pickles, Zayde’s Market, Roche Bros, Wegman’s, Pastene, Not your Average Joes, Del Frisco’s Grille, Stone L’Oven, Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, CF McCarthy’s, Waterfall Grille, The Feisty Greek, Bon Caldo and Nisa’s among others.
Other than the surprise blizzard in 2011 which forced a postponement the Classic has largely enjoyed great weather. This year’s raw temperatures and rain didn’t scare away the top runners, but did hurt the pre race sign up, the post entry numbers and the spectator gallery. Vendor village was moved indoors and the social gathering post race remained vibrant.
We would also like to thank the crew of Gentle Giant who were involved in virtually every aspect of the event. Race director Harvey Blonder would like to add a personal thank you to both the Stoughton Cross Country team and the HFC Striders. Blonder was a long time past coach of Stoughton High and their athletes traditionally have helped out. Blonder is the current coach of the HFC Striders and was proud to see those athletes take 3 out of 4 winners in the 5k and 10k narrowly missing a sweep.
While the Canton Fall Classic can’t match the Fourth of July Canton race for longevity, there is a long history behind the event. Over the years the race has developed its own “personality” and there have been common themes from year to year. One of the most dominant aspects to the race has been the return of participants from year to year. The race has become an annual gathering of old time friends and families tied to the running community. It has also been a race where top finishers come back to compete.
2019 featured three past winners returning to defend their titles successfully. Christine Howe notched her third Canton Fall Classic 10k victory in 41.54 and 2018 10k winner Eric Greenspan was a runaway winner with a time of 34.53. 2018 5k champion Lauren Tarvin (20.36) had a comfortable margin this year over Sophia Grammenos (21.58). The lone newcomer to the award podium was Thomas Stirrat (17.33) with a 22 second margin over Adam Greenspan. In a stellar performance newly minted 60 yr old Brenda Egizi (22.27) took 30 seconds off last year’s time and was the top female master (over 40). Similarly, 67 yr old Bob Ruel took it to the younger crowd finishing 7th overall with a sub 7:00 minute mile average (42.18).
Fun run winners were Evan Najjar and Kayleigh Mann.
The senior walk was again a tribute to our elderly community. This year’s event featured at least one 100 yr old participant.
Race directors Harvey Blonder, Melissa Mayer and Andrew Baizen would like to thank major sponsors: MS Walker, Orchard Cove, Bank of Canton, Dedham Savings Bank, Shelia Donovan Pilates, Republic Plumbing, Envision Bank, Marathon Physical Therapy, Mahoney Law Group, Prime Motor Group, Cross Country Mortgage, Max Challenge, Frank Lamparelli Oil, John Dolan Kitchen and Bath, Ed Hart Septic, Joshua Cohen, Neil Cohen, Compete Indoor Sports and Copperworks Condominiums.
We would also like to thank our donors: Tree Top Adventures, Elite Health and Fitness, CAF Pension, and Marathon Sports.
Merchandise donors included: MS Walker, Grillo’s Pickles, Zayde’s Market, Roche Bros, Wegman’s, Pastene, Not your Average Joes, Del Frisco’s Grille, Stone L’Oven, Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, CF McCarthy’s, Waterfall Grille, The Feisty Greek, Bon Caldo and Nisa’s among others.
Other than the surprise blizzard in 2011 which forced a postponement the Classic has largely enjoyed great weather. This year’s raw temperatures and rain didn’t scare away the top runners, but did hurt the pre race sign up, the post entry numbers and the spectator gallery. Vendor village was moved indoors and the social gathering post race remained vibrant.
We would also like to thank the crew of Gentle Giant who were involved in virtually every aspect of the event. Race director Harvey Blonder would like to add a personal thank you to both the Stoughton Cross Country team and the HFC Striders. Blonder was a long time past coach of Stoughton High and their athletes traditionally have helped out. Blonder is the current coach of the HFC Striders and was proud to see those athletes take 3 out of 4 winners in the 5k and 10k narrowly missing a sweep.