Bergen Elite

Congratulations are in order for Chelsea Benson, who this past weekend took 2nd masters female at the Cherry Blossom 10 mile in Washington D.C.! Her time of 1:00:21 is also a new women’s club record. Elsewhere this weekend, some of our athletes picked up a few wins at the Skunk Cabbage runs in Ithaca. Paul Suflita won the 10k in 32:13, while Bella Burda, fresh off her fast run at Johnnys, won the half marathon in a time of 1:21:45. Less than 1 month until the next Niagara championship race at the Mountain Goat 10 mile run in Syracuse

While we had many thrilling moments this year, this might be the one we will always remember when we look back at 2023

On October 14th, Henry Williams went down to Rockland Lake State Park to run the Mckirdy Micro Marathon, needing to run a 2:18:00 to earn an Olympic Trials Standard. He did that, running a big PR of 2:17:51, booking his trip to Orlando. He will be joining fellow Bergen Elite teammate Joey Whelan on the start line of the Olympic Trials Marathon on February 3rd. It’s moments like these that make all the miles and hard work worth it.

As we wrap up the year, we want to congratulate Laura Galeazzo on winning the Rochester Runner of the year title for 2023! She was a key part of the women’s team finishing 2nd in the Niagara team Grand Prix, which included her 6th overall finish at the Lilac 10k in May, just weeks after running a PR of 2:54:07 at the Pittsburgh Marathon. Congrats Laura!

📸 creds- Diane Sardes

Just a few months back, these 2 were leading the way at the USATF Niagara trail champs. Last weekend, they went double the distance at the Philadelphia Marathon. Joey Whelan took 2nd overall, in a blazing time of 2:14:40 that put him only 15 seconds back of first. Erin Gibbons got under 3 hours for the first time ever, taking 55th in 2:58:45!