More than 165 participants in the Aliferis Memorial Race | News, Sports, Jobs

More than 165 cyclists, runners and walkers of all ages from the Alpena area and across the state participated in one or more of the four events, including a half marathon. People from all over Michigan enjoyed the event, winning accolades, medals and other prizes. All proceeds will go to the scholarship program, the Cancer Center and the Patient Tower project at MidMichigan Medical Center-Alpena.

Drs. Brendan and Leah Conboy and their family served as honorary presidents of the race, handing out medals to the top finishers in each event, as well as trophies for the best overall performance. There were also raffles for University of Michigan football tickets, clothing and running gear.

The Aliferis Memorial Run was named in memory of longtime Alpena General Hospital pathologist Peter Aliferis, MD, in recognition of his many contributions during his 37 years at the medical center and his unwavering dedication to the health and well-being. Dr Aliferis retired in July 2000 and died of cancer on March 13, 2002.

In the half marathon (13.1 miles), 21-year-old John Siegert won the overall standings with a time of 1:16:04. Second place went to 28-year-old Nate LaBarge with a time of 1:29:52. Travis Montie, 41, was third, with a time of 1:30:21. The first woman was Chelsea Pagels, 29, with a time of 1:51:08. The second wife was Christina Taratuta, 30, with a time of 1:54:18. Mary Damery, 59, was the third woman, with a time of 1:55:38.

Courtesy photo above are some of the more than 165 participants in the Aliferis Memorial Run, which included running and cycling events, on Saturday September 4th.

In the 18.5-mile cycle race, 39-year-old Lyle Schultz took first place overall, clocking 53:08. Clark Kent, 61, was second in 53:09. Jonathan Smith, 25, was third, with a time of 53:10. Megan Murdoch, 30, was the first female, with a time of 1:04:49, followed by Geraldine Lupini, 58, in 1:05:04, and Jaimie Davis, 26, in 1:06:29.

In 5K, 16-year-old Hunter Hitzelberger won the overall standings with a time of 17:17. Braeden Mathis, 13, was second in 22:01 and Bill Hitzelberger, 47, third in 24:27. The first woman was right behind him, Samantha Kendziorski, 33, in 2449. Emily Nowak, 27, was the second woman, at 25:27, and Kaitlyn Frisch, 20, was third, at 26:59.

In the 1 mile, Tucker Hitzelberger, 10, won with a time of 7:52, followed by first woman, Taylor Thornton, 8, in 8:03, and second woman, Meridel Stevens, 7, in 9:22. The second-place cock was Michael Thornton, 5, in 9:50 am, followed by third, Theo Stafford, 10, in 10:08. Then came the third place female, 8-year-old Eleanor Stevens with a time of 10:17.