4TH ANNUAL SCHOONER WHARF
FANTASY MILE RACE
A new course record emerged from the cheers, barks and meows that emanated from the 4th Annual Fantasy Mile Race sponsored by the Schooner Wharf Bar. This is probably the only race in the western hemisphere where participants are encouraged not only to test themselves in the normal way against the grueling mile standard, but also to compete in costume or with their favorite pets if that's their fancy. Post-race food, drinks and commemorative tee-shirts provided by Schooner Wharf and lots of raffle prizes from local merchants make this event a Fantasy Fest favorite.
Don Wennerstron, of The Runners' Edge Racing Team from Boca Raton, sizzled to a 4:49 finish, knocking 7 seconds off the previous record set Tom Garcia 4:56 ( San Clemente CA ) at last years race. Close behind were the second and third-placing male winners; Bryan Burnett, visiting from Glasgow, Scotland, was second in 5:09, and Aaron Sorensen from Key West was third in 5:26. Among the women racers, Stephanie Stevens from Delray Beach took first place in 6:10. Key West's Sue Cooper predictably finished among the winners, taking second in 7:07, while hometown Amy Spielberg won third in 7:10. Complete results are below. Winner of the Pet-Owner Look Alike Division was Sheila Tabone [in the purple costume], who finished the race in 10:35. Other notable costumed racers are shown in the photos.
Local volunteers who made this fun event possible included Mary and Amanda Michaels, Jim Smith, Edie Kehoe, Lisa McSteen, Jason Huetner, Richard Clements, Shawn MacBratnie, Anne and Ed Wittingslow, Mary Ann Nelson, Aaron Eckard, Gerta Kalb, Margie Randall, Willy Lee and Patty Crimmins. Jim and Marie Robinson directed the race, which was produced by Barbara Wright Productions.
1. Don Wennerstrom, Boca Raton FL 4:49
2. Bryan Burnett, Glasgow, Scotland 5:09
3. Aaron Sorensen, Key West, FL 5:26
4. Philip Borgese, Niskayuna, NY 5:35
5. Rick MacKenzie, Key West, FL 5:41
6. Jean-Francois Huchon, Key West, FL 5:48
7. Rick Eckert, Reno, NV 5:58
8. Stephanie Stevens, Delray Beach, FL 6:10
9. Everett Phillips, Key West, FL 6:17
10. Colin Pascal, Key West, FL 6:35
11. Don Vertregt, Big Pine, FL 6:45
12. Don Nelson, Cudjoe Key, FL 6:46
13. Sue Cooper, Key West, FL 7:07
14. David Shield, Key West, FL 7:07
15. Amy Spielberg, Key West, FL 7:10
16. Carolyn Rudolph, Bayside, NY 7:15
17. Eric Grahl, Key West, FL 7:16
18. Phillip Smith, Washington, DC 7:29
19. Tom Schuler, Key West, FL 7:46
20. Leigh Pujado, Key West, FL 7:56
21. Eve Andrews, Key West, FL 8:03
22. Jerry Creeks, Airport, SD 8:12
23. Rick Skehan, Marathon, FL 8:13
24. Barry Andrews, Key West, FL 8:18
25. Bryce McBratnie, Shark Key, FL 8:18
26. Stephanie Happ, Key West, FL 8:27
27. Ray Putt, Annapolis, MD 8:30
28. Isabelle Gros, Sugarloaf Key, FL 8:32
29. Willy Lee, Key West FL 8:39
30. Diana Brody, Key West, FL 8:59
31. Elizabeth Thomas, Little Torch Key, FL 9:07
32. Scott Underkoffler, St. Petersburg, FL 9:14
33. Don Testerman, Bel Air, MD 9:45
34. Crystal Testerman, Bel Air, MD 9:47
35. Donald Bergin, Jacksonville, FL 10:12
36. Alice Kolessar, Key West, FL 10:35
37. Michele Grahl, Key West, FL 10:36
38. Sheila Tabone, Key West, FL 10:39
39. Linda Skehan, Marathon, FL 10:48
40. Diana Benton, Key West, FL 11:06
41. Harold Hickey, Port Orange, FL 11:46
42. Debra Kilsheimer, Port Orange, FL 11:53
43. Carol Sieger, Boynton Beach, FL 14:59