Peak aspirations

Photo One: Racers break through the start line on Saturday.

Photo Two: A trail leads racers to Killington Peak for the 5K.

By Polly Lynn

KILLINGTON — Nearly 80 runners raced to the top of Killington Peak, Saturday, Aug. 15 for the first annual Race to The Peak 5K.

“The day was an amazing success,” said Beth Roberts, owner of Killington Boot Camp which helped found the inaugural event. “Feedback from both spectators and participants was incredible and everyone I spoke with is already planning to attend next year’s race! We drew from locals from Killington and surrounding towns as well as out of state!”

The first man to the top of the mountain was Mark Jones, who did it in a blistering 31 minutes and 43 seconds. The first female was M.K. Cirelli, who completed the feat in just 36 minutes and 21 seconds.

Ed Vescovi finished in 38:55, Thomas Tiberio in 41:06, David Weart in 41:29, and Matt Kingsbauer rounded off the top 5 male finishers with a time of 42:14.

Sarah Barnes finished second with a time of 41:52 for the women, followed by Michelle Gore in 44:24, Amelia Sharp in 44:26, and Traci Cornwell in 45:34 rounding out the top 5 female finishers.

“It was an inspiring day. The racers exceeded my expectations and the community support was outstanding. Looking forward to making this bigger and better each year,” Roberts added.

Photos By Robin Alberti