Runners in Southwest Florida took part in a tune-up before the cross country season gets underway. The Estero Fast Cat 5K put on by the 3D Running Club, allowed runners of all ages, but it was two high school seniors, Sarah Candiano and Dean McGregor, that came away with overall victories.
The course which consisted of a mostly muddy field, some sidewalk, and finished on the track didn't faze Fort Myer's Dean McGregor. McGregor told us in his recent training log that he had put in over 400 miles so far this summer, and the hard work showed early in this one. He describes how the race played out.
"I led the race with a pack of 5-7 runners up until the first mile mark, where Alex Hernandez made a wild surge and separated from the pack about 20 meters. The course was damp and the weather was hot and humid, so I stayed patient through the next 800."
Dillon "Astro" Vallete emerged from the pack with former Ft. Myers runner Ryan Stafford. McGregor, who was third at this meet last year stayed by their sides until Stafford surged ahead about ten meters at the two mile mark. McGregor says the times at the two mile were 10:14, 10:16, and 10:17 for Ryan, himself, and Astro, but then it was time to close hard.
"Ryan and I sped through the first 800 of the last mile, separating from the other runners. At about the 2.75 mile mark, I closed the gap between Ryan and I, and at 400 meters left to go, I spanked him all the way to the finish line and put about 10 seconds on him. After that, I have no idea because I went behind the bleachers and puked a few times."
Puke the definition of hard work. Coming in behind McGregor was Stafford and Dillon McGree followed by high schoolers Vallette in 16:24.90 followed by Alex Hernandez (16:33.22), and Marshall Dillon (16:35.70)
Although the field all ran together, a battle between to girls was brewing in the midst of a pack of guys. Evangelical Christian senior and 1A favorite Sarah Candiano and Estero grade and current Jacksonville University runner Katy Solis went stride for stride until the last half mile. Candiano, the 1A state champion at 1600m pulled away from Solis in the last half mile to get the victory in 18:25.5. Her time was 21st overall. This was the second time Candiano beat Solis in this event. The two went 1-2 in 2012. Candiano was second behind Emily Edwards in 2013. Former Estero Wildcat Kacy Smith still holds the meet recod when she ran 18:16.50 in 2011. High schoolers Olivia Adams, Daley Cline, and Megan Slater also broke twenty minutes.
If this is any indicator of how the season will go look for McGregor and Candiano to have successful seasons.
More Coverage
- 2014 Estero Fast Cat 5K (Meet Page/Results)