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Bill Begg is a hero on the local running scene, having saved two runners who suffered midrace heart attacks in two separate races several years ago. But Friday night in New Canaan, it was his daughter Erin who stole the spotlight, winning the women's division of the second annual All Out For Autism 5K run. Erin ran 20:10 to place 12th overall, and besting her dad, an emergency room doctor at Danbury Hospital, by 31 seconds to gain family bragging rights as well.
Defending men's champ George Buchanan almost repeated his performance from last year but had to settle for second behind Ken Poli, whose 17:32 clocking was 1 second faster than Buchanan ran last year.
The big winner of the night, though, was the Spednet.org group that co-sponsored the race with New Balance of New Canaan. Between entry fees and donations, it nearly reached its goal of funding a playground at Waveny Park for children with autism.
"I think we're really close," said Denise Buckenheimer, the group's chairwoman. "We might not have it all, but I'm sure we have enough to get the project under way next spring."
Her son, Alec, who just returned from the World Rowing Junior Championships in the Czech Republic, made his last hometown appearance before heading off to college. He placed third, 15 seconds behind Buchanan.
In addition to the main 5K race, which drew nearly 300 runners in perfect late summer racing conditions, a large number of younger competitors enjoyed a jaunt around the downtown block in the kid's fun run.
"It's a great course," said Les Kurian, who was the third male finisher over 60. "The last half is all downhill. You don't get that in a race very often." Complete results are available on the Club Connecticut website.
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