Local runners heat up ‘Blizzard’ run

Several local runners finished with impressive times at the annual “Freeze yer Gizzard Blizzard Run” on Saturday in International Falls.
Doris Barton was second overall among the women, finishing the 10-km race in a time of 46.41–just seconds behind Jeanne McCurnin of Mason City, Iowa (46.19).
Barton also was second in her age group (40-49).
Meanwhile, Kerri Tolen of Emo was tops in the women’s 20-29 age group with a time of 48.02. And Connee Badiuk was second in her age division (30-39) at 51.41.
Among the men, Lorne Ricard, 45, finished 12th overall with a time of 41.51 (the fastest clocked by the contingent of 15 locals runners who braved the frosty conditions).
Don DeBenedet was 22nd overall (43.12) while Guy Mudge was 34th (44.54).
Tom Heinitz of Duluth, who finished in 35.39, was fastest of the 176 runners. His time was just 19 seconds better than Kevin Osboro of Little Canada, Mn.
Darcey Harder of Winnipeg was the top Canadian runner, finishing in an even 36 minutes.
Other local runners included Jason Kabel (47.11), Ben Andrusco (48.52), John Laplante (49.20), Bob Tkachuk (52.49), Cathy Kowal (53.07), Greg St. Croix (59.05), Carla Magisano (60.07), Ted Brockie (74.38), and Judy Mudge (79.22).