
by Christine Bishop
Ryan Udvadia – 1st Place
A five second sprint at the end of the race gave Ryan Udvadia the crown:
“We were neck and neck, I have to say, up until the last half-mile or so, and he actually started to pull away and I found another gear as soon as we got to the street up over here, and I kind of just turned on the jets and used the downhill to my advantage.”
“I was looking forward to this event all year and to come across representing my company, Latham Pools, is exciting. I always enjoy being able to compete, represent a team,” Udvadia said.
Ed.Note: The employees of Latham Pool are extremely proud of what their co-worker Ryan Udvadia has achieved and they love working with him.
Paul Nichols – 2nd Place
It was a great experience running in such a large and spirited event like the CDPHP WTC. This was my first road race and the turnout and atmosphere did not disappoint. This was also my first race in general since finishing my collegiate running career in December at Villanova University. I’m a local guy, having attended Shaker High School, and I knew about the WTC from my Dad competing every year. It is definitely one of the signature races of the year around here. The capital region is known for having some really solid runners and Ryan is one of those people. The race went out with a decent front pack, but after the mile mark Ryan and I started to slowly break away. We kept the pace pretty consistent running just under 5:00 with a few surges here and there. I was not sure of my fitness coming into the race so I was happy to feel good running that fast. It was exciting having the race be that close the whole way, and kudos to Ryan for having the wheels at the end of the race to grab the win. I am excited to get some good training in and race him along with some other local guys I know soon.
Brady Bobbitt – 3rd Place
Top Female Winner
Catie Meyer – 1st Place
Caitie Meyer, as did Ryan Udvadia, came in first and repeated as the top finisher on the women’s side, completing the 3.5-mile course in 20:16, more than a minute faster than her last year’s win.
“Right now it kind of feels hard. It hurts a little. But it was good, it was fun,” Meyer said.
“I’m a medical student here, and it brings together all the people in the hospital. It’s right here in my backyard, and I like it promoting health for all people in Albany, which I think is a huge part of Albany Med’s mission, so it all fits together really nicely,” Meyer said.
Abbi Wright – 2nd Place
“The Workforce Challenge presents the unique opportunity for individuals to come together and race while also promoting being part of a larger network and team.
This was actually my first time competing in it and it definitely will not be my last. Seeing people who work various jobs and have different challenges come together on one starting line was something that I thoroughly enjoyed. I personally work for Owens Corning as a manufacturing engineer. My typical work day is 6:30AM-4:30PM and about 80% consists of standing on my feet and working on the manufacturing floor.
The biggest challenge of the race for me was showing up ready to go after a long day of work. Caitie, who I am lucky enough to be in Willow Street with definitely set the pace from the start. Caitie is a very talented runner and it was exciting to chase after her. The course was a little hillier than I expected and the sun was a little warmer than I originally thought.
Coming down the main straight into the finish line was filled with energy from the spectators and gave me and the other athletes an extra boost weneeded.
Overall, the event and race were a great experience and I can’t wait to make this an annual event on my racing calendar!”
Ed. Note: And we can hardly wait to see you in future races.
Tricia Longo-3rd Place
“This was my second time running this event, and it was a lot of fun! I like this course as a downhill finish is always nice. I ran with a coworker/friend who had asked me for pacing help. I didn’t know that I was in third place until about at 2.5 miles when spectators started telling me! Once I realized, I started preparing myself in case someone came up behind me and I needed to kick in. Overall, a really fun event with a surprising finish for me.”
Data
Click on above image to get complete race results
Click on above image to get complete team results
Click on picture above for pictures from the event lovingly compiled by the Pace Setter’s Graphics Editor Bill Meehan.
Click on above image for CEO Results
Volunteers
Without volunteers, the CDPHP WTC 2022 could not happen. For any volunteers we miss, we sincerely apologize because without you, there would be chaos.
You have everyone’s sincerest gratitude.
The following people from the HMRRC annually give their blood, sweat and tears to make this event a success:
Mark Warner
Todd Mesick
John Parisella
Ed Neiles
Jon Rocco
Debbie Beach
Ken Skinner
Tom Fitzpatrick
Jill Meehan
Arleen Reyell
Tom McGuire
Maureen Cox
Susan Thompson
Nick Demos
Josh Merlis
John Haley
Clay Ludovico
Emily Chromczak
Rebekah Tolley
Jerry Dorman
Natalia Burkart
Christine Bishop
Thank you to the Team Captains!
Click on above image for entire list of Team Captains
To paraphrase a famous saying, “It takes a village to produce a race of this magnitude.”
Thanks go to all who participated as either a racer or a volunteer!!