York PA, August 8, 2024—In August 1999, a section of the York Heritage Rail Trail opened with the first York 10 Miler, which was part of the 250th Anniversary of York County. The York Road Runners staged a three-day relay on York County roads that covered every borough and township in York County. It started in Brogue, with USA Olympian Steve Spence starting at 8PM on Friday night and ended on Sunday at noon with Special Olympian and 3:03 marathoner Loretta Claiborne taking the torch in York City and finishing in the York Fairgrounds. For most of us, it was the first trip on our new rail trail from Seven Valleys to York City.
This year, Griffen Ridler of Manchester made such quick work on the rest of the 215-runner field, that he was the only runner I could photograph at two locations from my bike. Ridler, who runs for Northeastern HS won in 56:06. Eric Ferree of Dallastown was second overall and top master in 1:01:19. Bradley Yehl of Maytown was third overall in 1:03:06. Dellas Edmisten III of York was fourth in 1:05:41. Nicholas Urey of Brogue was fifth in 1:07:27.
Sarah Wenger of Dallastown led the women in 1:07:31. Like Ridley, she won by over five minutes. Wenger was top master, and only the top five men finished before her. Kelly Rose of Dover was second in 1:12:35. Annette Flinchbaugh of Hellam was third in 1:14:15; the Eastern HS XC standout is just 15. Joy Caldwell of Norristown was fourth and second master in 1:18:13. Hillary Griffie of Hummelstown was fifth in 1:19:23.
Billie Kay Melanson of York was tenth overall in 1:23:24. Melanson is 70, surely the top age-graded athlete in the race. Melanson and Mike Ball are headed for the Sydney Marathon in September.
It’s a bit confusing, but it is the 25th Anniversary since our 1999 event. The race considers it the 26th running, with 2020 being virtual. The race benefits ARC of York County.
Top Women
1:07:31 Sarah Wenger, 43, Dallastown
1:12:35 Kelly Rose, 36, Dover
1:14:15 Annette Flinchbaugh, 15, Hellam
1:18:13 Joy Caldwell, 42, Norristown
1:19:23 Hillary Griffie, 34, Hummelstown
1:22:23 Judy Roche, 58, Abbottstown
1:22:29 Katie Flinchbaugh, 41, Hellam
1:22:35 Angelina Flores, 45, Hanover
1:22:49 Sarah Snell, 39, York
1:23:24 Billie Kay Melanson, 70, York
Top Men
56:06 Griffen Ridler, 17, Manchester
1:01:19 Eric Ferree, 46, Dallastown
1:03:06 Bradley Yehl, 32, Maytown
1:05:41 Dellas Edmisten III, 21, York
1:07:27 Nicholas Urey, 16, Brogue
1:08:07 Logan Shearer, 18, Hanover
1:08:27 Jason Clarke, 46, Camp Hill
1:08:34 Xander Myers, 15, Dover
1:08:36 David Koerber, 31, Lancaster
1:09:02 Adam Gaidos, 16, York
The York 10 Miler is almost all on the York Heritage Rail Trail. The start and first half mile are in Seven Valleys, PA, starting on Route 214 just under the rail trail.
Fay and Kev Hawn have been loyal participants of the 10 miler; their shirts remind runners of their upcoming Trails to Tails event.
Griffen Ridler of Manchester was alone in nature as he strode through the Howard Tunnel. Ridler won in 56:06.
Sarah Wenger of Dallastown was dominant in the women’s race with a 1:07:31, winning by over five minutes. Wenger was also top master.
Eric Ferree of Dallastown at mile 9 on the way to second overall and top master in 1:01:19.
Kelly Rose of Dover was second in 1:12:35. Rose was the 2021 champion.
Annette Flinchbaugh of Hellam was third in 1:14:15.
Bradley Yehl of Maytown earned a podium spot in third place in 1:03:06.
Christopher Wilkening of Boiling Springs, PA and Abbie Perkins of Westminster, MD run together. They were in my last photo before heading to Central Market for coffee.
Billie Kay Melanson of York finished tenth in 1:23:24 and ran back for friend Jeffrey Bellomo also of York, doing his first ten miler. Melanson, 70, is training for the Sydney Marathon.
Carolyn Daugherty of the Flying Feet Racing Team races toward an age group win.
Penelope “Penny” Hornock of the Flying Feet Team gets a age group win at the York 10 Miler.
Amy Sterling of Manchester has practiced her craft; she jumps with Michele Heltzel of Spring Grove in the York 10 Miler.
Nathan Eyler of Yoe was the first jumper of the race.
Melissa Snyder of Spring Grove, Kathleen Meckley of Dillsburg, and Lindsay Weber of York run together with a half mile to go.
York runners Sarah Langston, Andrew Langston, and Kara Emig are all smiles near the end of the York 10 Miler.
Stephanie Shilite of Shermans Dale, PA on her way to the finish.
Kelli Linker of Spring Grove heads down the home stretch with a smile.
Jess Lapp of Peach Bottom says hey as she races toward the finish with Juanita Gardner #5904 of Gardners, PA and Kendra Redcay of New Holland, PA.
Valley Elliehausen of Milwaukee, WI was 20th in 1:27:46.
Jennifer Fisler of Dillsburg was 16th in 1:26:14. Patty Hall of York was 17th in 1:26:43.
Taylor Cubbler of York was eleventh in 1:23:34.
Judy Roche of Abbottstown was sixth in 1:22:23 and first of the 50-year-olds.
Mark Craver of Spring Grove wears the 2018 York White Rose Run 5 Miler shirt. Be sure to register to run or volunteer for the 2024 race on Sept 28.
Hillary Griffie of Hummelstown was fifth in 1:19:23.
Alan Mulindwa of Columbia, MD enjoys the York 10 Miler.
Joy Caldwell of Norristown was fourth overall and second master in 1:18:13.
Benjie Stoltzfus of Strasburg and Florin Tencariu #6018 of York on the way to their York 10 Miler finish.
Jason Clarke of Camp Hill was seventh overall and second master in 1:08:27.
Dellas Edmisten III of York was fourth overall in 1:05:41. The young woman in the photo was just out for her workout.
Runner's Gazette 
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