McKeown and Knobloch Win 2019 Bill Robinson Masters 10K

by Jim Tierney

The 39^th Annual Bill Robinson Masters 10K (6.2 miles) road race took place, as always, at Guilderland High School on Saturday, April 27^th, 2019. The out and back course started, as advertised, promptly at 9 a.m. It was a cool, almost cold, damp morning with a wind that challenged the runners for the first part of the race.

Fifty-five runners stepped to the starting line to run this challenging, hilly course. When the starting whistle sounded, off they went following lead biker, Tom Adams.

Margaret McKeown from Moreau, N.Y. was the female winner. Margaret’s time was a respectable 46:36. Laura Kelly finished second and Christine Varley was third.

Female age group winners were Laura Kelly, Tracey Meek, Christine Varley, Karen Dott, Martha DeGrazia, Susan Wong, Eiko Bogue, Anny Stockman.

Aaron Knobloch from Niskayuna was the male winner with a time of 39:49. Aaron also won the race last year (2018). Ryan McCann finished second and Erik Koenitzer was third.

Male age group winners were Ryan McCann, Gil Chorbajian, Jon Rocco, Bill Bean, David Roy, Tom McGuire, George Jackson, Ed Bown.

A special note of accomplishment goes out to Anny Stockman (86) and Eiko Bogue (81) for participating and completing this difficult road race. Congratulations to them. They truly are our inspiration.

A quote from race director, Jim Tierney: “Our sincerest thanks to each volunteer for their assistance and cooperation. Most of these volunteers have been faithful supporters of this race for many years. As we all know, we could not have this race or any race without you.” We had 29 volunteers: Marcia and Tom Adams, Katherine Ambrosio, Mary Bailey, Frank Broderick, Tom Bulger, Jackie Bown, Christine and Charles Bishop, Maureen Cox, Karen Dott,

Rich Eckhardt, Tina Hayden, Bob Knouse, Kathryn Knerr, Brendan Kerry, Charlie Matlock, Ray Newkirk, Ed Neiles, Joan and Lowell Montgomery, Sue and Scott Paterson, Ernie Paquin, Tom Ryan, Jim Russo, Sharon Sykes, Cathy Sliwinski, Neil Sergott.

In closing, we all say thank you to the officers from the Guilderland Police Department, Sgt. DeVoe and Officer Halloran, for their cooperation, support and guidance in allowing us to put on another safe and successful road race. And we also thank the EMT from the Altamont Rescue Squad. Also, a sincere thank you to the Guilderland High School staff for their continued assistance and ongoing support for this event.

Next year will be the 40^th running of this race and my 22^nd year directing the race. So next year, we’re planning to make this a special event.

Hope to see you all next year!