Running notebook: They're off
The Shamrock Run is considered the start of the local running season, at least for many, and thousands (3,603 finishers) took part in it last week on a pretty good day for running -- not as good as, say, today, but pretty darn good by Shamrock standards.
Ben Hahn's trip up from Edinboro, Pa., proved worthwhile, as he won the men's race in 25:01. Maura Frauenhofer had a shorter trip from Williamsville to take the women's race in 29:16.
Some runners were a little tired to run. They were just back from South Africa, as the finals of the Corporate Challenge were held there. Jennifer Acker of Amherst Schools was the top local runner. She finished seventh among women over all in 22:06 (3.5 miles), and was the second American behind a Boston runner. Johannesburg dominated the race -- the runners from there must have enjoyed the home-altitude advantage.
There are a couple of races this Saturday (listings from buffalorunners.com):
* The SNI Maple Run will be held in Irving at 9 a.m. Register in the Seneca Nation Recreation Dept at 12861 Route 438.
* The St. Patrick's Day Dash will take place in Jamestown at 9:15 a.m. Visit the Jamestown Savings Bank downtown (319 West Third Street) for registration beforehand.
--- Budd Bailey
