| Matt the Magnificent Leads Wanderers
Charge at Harrisburg Marathon
Wissahickon Wanderers are still shaking their heads
in disbelief. Matt Palombaro
WON the Harrisburg Marathon on November 13! This
is believed to be the first victory of any kind by
any Wanderer....ever! And Matt won the race convincingly,
finishing in 2:40:38, almost five minutes faster than
second place finisher Tom Lipsie of Indiana, Pennsylvania.
Almost 500 runners competed in the 33rd Annual Harrisburg
Marathon which is produced by the Harrisburg Area Road
Runners Club.
This was a group Wanderer effort. All members of
the Wanderers strike force including runners Matt, Babs, Chris
Moore, and Leslie Turchetti,
and support technicians Hard Boyle and the
Great One, performed brilliantly. Here were
just some of their accomplishments:
- Chris shattered his personal best by almost 15
minutes finishing 16th overall in 3:02:23. Although
he just missed his goal of a three-hour finish, he
still qualified for the Boston Marathon for both
2006 and 2007.
- Babs nailed down a 3:38:31 time to finish 140th
overall and SECOND in the master's women division.
- Leslie bagged her first marathon ever. There will
be many more to come.
- Leslie's Dad Tony Turchetti also
got into the act just breaking four hours in 3:59:50
and also qualifying for the Boston Marathon in the
60+ division.
- Hard Boyle and the Great One were superlative
in support providing water and gator aid and encouragement
all over the course. In the only event marring this
incredible day, points were deducted from the Great
One's performance for allowing one of the Wanderers
magnetic signs to fall off on the Pennsylvania Turnpike
while en route back to Philadelphia.
The magnitude of Matt's achievement did not sink
in until after the race. There were a couple of runners
in the marathon relay competition and the Wanderers
support staff thought Matt was in third place. Only
Leslie realized what was happening.
"I can't tell you how awestruck I was when
the lead bike came around the corner.....with Matt
running behind it! (of course he was barreling down
mile 22 and I was just coming up to the 10 mile marker!)," Leslie
remarked after the race.
News of the Wanderers' achievements was quickly transmitted
back to Philadelphia in a brief field dispatch from
the Great One over the internet on Sunday. "Matthew:
Champion. He WON the marathon. As in the first runner
in. Unbelievable.," was the message.
The Wanderers' entire team in Harrisburg had produced
a performance fit for the club history books!!
2005 Harrisburg Marathon Photos
Runners at the start of the 2005 Harrisburg Marathon
Hard Boyle took a break from a busy marathon schedule
this fall to provide support for the Wanderer runners
in Harrisburg.
Matt displays impeccable marathoning form.
Chris makes it all look easy out on the course.
 |
 |
Barabara exibited great form throughout the
race.
|
Leslie's father Tony as he crossed the finish
line.
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The Harrisburg marathon was a textbook performance
by the Wanderers. Super support from Hard Boyle, above,
and Susan. And super performance by Leslie out on the
road.
Support technicians Hard Boyle and the Great One did
a magnfiicent job all morning in support of the runners.
Leslie is still smiling in the latter stage of the
race.
It's official. Matt is the greatest. He picks
up first place award from race officials.
Wanderers were kept very busy at the awards ceremony.
Here Babs picks up second place award in the master's
division. Outstanding!
Leslie can't believe it. The finish line!
Leslie did it! Just across the finish line, she savors
the completion of her first marathon.
Welcome to the winner's circle!! Matt, Leslie,
Chris and Babs show off their prizes.
Official team portrait of the Wanderers' strike
force in Harrisburg.
Wanderers celebrate after the race.
The Great One has a dog named Daisy. Looks like Daisy
could use a little road work, Susan!
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