2025 25th USATF San Diego Cross Country Champs Recap

XC - 11/09/25 25th USATF SD-I XC Championships San Diego, CA

Men's race PRT USATF results
3 Brian Wyatt 26:18 32 M Open 3 Prado Racing Team Open
7 Henry Myers 26:43 25 M Open 7 Prado Racing Team Open
11 Will Gravelle 26:49 27 M Open 11 Prado Racing Team Open
14 Zach Laurenzana 27:07 31 M Open 14 Prado Racing Team Open
15 Flavio Ponzina 27:29 31 M Open 15 Prado Racing Team Open
21 Robert Martinez 28:27 32 M Open 20 Prado Racing Team Open
27 Chuck McKeown 29:09 43 M 40+ 2 Prado Racing Team 40+
31 Kevin Sorrell 29:27 38 M Open 27 Prado Racing Team Open
32 Matt Nelli 29:47 32 M Open 28 Prado Racing Team Open
33 James Melkonian 29:50 26 M Open 29 Prado Racing Team Open
35 Paul Wellman 29:54 47 M 40+ 4 Prado Racing Team 40+
44 Edgar Diaz 31:06 51 M 50+ 2 Prado Racing Team 50+
45 Alex Phipps 31:10 44 M 40+ 9 Prado Racing Team 40+
54 Jens Lykke-Andersen 32:21 57 M 50+ 3 Prado Racing Team 50+
55 Victor De La Paz 32:25 50 M 50+ 4 Prado Racing Team 50+
57 Derek Bradley 32:40 45 M 40+ 12 Prado Racing Team 40+
58 Chris Moreland 32:40 43 M 40+ 13 Prado Racing Team 40+
59 Jacob Wood 33:13 33 M Open 42 Prado Racing Team Open
67 Tim Stafford 34:13 60 M 60+ 1 Prado Racing Team 60+
74 Peter Westlake 35:44 56 M 50+ 7 Prado Racing Team 50+
78 Andrew Block 36:26 56 M 50+ 11 Prado Racing Team 50+
87 Scott McEntee 38:48 68 M 60+ 6 Prado Racing Team 60+
89 Mimo Parkins 39:17 60 M 60+ 7 Prado Racing Team 60+   

PRT open & masters men about to start the 2025 Dirt Dog Championship

Photo by Kelsie Pearson

Women's race PRT USATF results
Race Place Name Time Age S Div Div Place Team
1 Lisa Goodin 23:19 39 F Open 1 Prado Racing Team
5 Iz Davis 23:55 33 F Open 5 Prado Racing Team
6 Megan Lizotte 24:08 41 F 40+ 1 Prado Racing Team
9 Alli Felsenthal 24:18 36 F Open 8 Prado Racing Team
11 Celest Arambulo 24:29 55 F 50+ 1 Prado Racing Team
13 Lauren Davis 24:53 35 F Open 11 Prado Racing Team
14 Karla Khalifa 24:55 42 F 40+ 2 Prado Racing Team
16 Erica Schoeller 25:29 41 F 40+ 3 Prado Racing Team
17 Amy Halseth 25:38 55 F 50+ 2 Prado Racing Team
21 Carrie Hinners 26:01 39 F Open 15 Prado Racing Team
22 Jenn Santa Maria 26:05 47 F 40+ 5 Prado Racing Team
24 Jessica Sebor 26:18 41 F 40+ 7 Prado Racing Team
30 Janay Osantowski 27:27 52 F 50+ 3 Prado Racing Team
32 Alisa Rodgers 27:47 52 F 50+ 4 Prado Racing Team
34 Margi Bell 28:24 60 F 60+ 1 Prado Racing Team

PRT open and masters women at the 2025 Dirt Dog starting line.

Photo by Kevin Sorrell

Dirt Dog Series team final results

PRT open men after finishing 2nd in the series 
From left to right: Nick Scarpello, James Melkonian, Will Gravelle, Brian Wyatt, Zachary Laurenzana, Flavio Ponzina, Matt Nelli, Kevin Sorrell, Robert Martinez, Zachary Jaltecho, and Jacob Wood

Open Men
1 Lane Zero Athletics 100
2 Prado Racing Team 70
3 Pacific TC 50
4 Milestone Run Crew 44
5 B-Side Racing Team 25
6 San Diego Track Club* 4

PRT Open women defended their title in 2025
From left to right: Carrie Hinners, Iz Davis, Alli Felsenthal, Lisa Goodin, Andrea Ludwig

Women Open
1 Prado Racing Team 100
2 Milestone Run Crew 62
2 Pacific TC 62
4 Lane Zero Athletics 38
5 B-Side Racing Team* 5
6 San Diego Track Club* 0

Chuck McKeown led the PRT Masters 40+ team to a 2nd place behind the boom-Milestone team

Men 40+
1 boom-MILESTONE 100
2 Prado Racing Team 76
3 Milestone Run Crew 44
4 San Diego Track Club 41
5 Perros Bravos 22

The PRT 40+ women took home the championship in 2025
From left: Megan Lizotte and Jenn Santa Maria accept the award for the team title

Women 40+
1 Prado Racing Team 100
2 San Diego Track Club 76
3 Milestone Run Crew 44

PRT's Victor de la Paz, Jens Lykke-Andersen, and Peter Westlake accept the award for the winning men's 50+ division

Men 50+
1 Prado Racing Team 100
2 Jamul Toads 48
3 San Diego Track Club 30
4 boom-MILESTONE 21
5 Perros Bravos* 7

Amy Halseth, Janay Osantowski, Celest Arambulo, and Alisa Rodgers being awarded their 50+ women's championship

Women 50+
1 Prado Racing Team 100
2 San Diego Track Club 48
3 Perros Bravos 34

Tim Stafford and Mimo Parkins received the award for the 60+ team on the left. Scott McEntee was occupied during the ceremony figuring out the results... THANK YOU SCOTT!  And congrats to the 60+ men's team

Men 60+
1 Prado Racing Team 100
2 San Diego Track Club 82
3 Jamul Toads 40
4 San Diego Striders 17

2025 San Diego USATF Dirt Dog XC Series
Top 10 FINAL INDIVIDUAL STANDINGS 

Shoutout to the following PRT teammates who won their divisions:

Women Open 1 Lisa Goodin 39 Prado Racing Team 
Men 40-49 1 Chuck McKeown 43 Prado Racing Team
Women 40-49 1 Karla Khalifa 42 Prado Racing Team  
Women 50-59 1 Celest Arambulo 55 Prado Racing Team 
Men 60-69 1 Tim Stafford 60 Prado Racing Team
Women 60-69 1 Margi Bell 60 Prado Racing Team

Below are the runners who finished in the top 10 of their respective divisions over the season. 

Men Open

3 Brian Wyatt 32 Prado Racing Team
7 Henry Myers 25 Prado Racing Team
8 Will Gravelle 27 Prado Racing Team

Women Open

1 Lisa Goodin 39 Prado Racing Team 
6 Iz Davis 33 Prado Racing Team 
8 Alli Felsenthal 36 Prado Racing Team 
10 Anna Pappas** 32 Prado Racing Team

Men 40-49

1 Chuck McKeown 43 Prado Racing Team
4 Paul Wellman 47 Prado Racing Team
10 Alex Phipps 44 Prado Racing Team

Women 40-49

1 Karla Khalifa 42 Prado Racing Team  
2 Megan Lizotte 41 Prado Racing Team 
3 Jenn Santa Maria 47 Prado Racing Team 
5 Erica Schoeller 41 Prado Racing Team
9 Jessica Sebor 41 Prado Racing Team

Men 50-59

2 Edgar Diaz 51 Prado Racing Team
3 Victor De la paz 50 Prado Racing Team
4 Jens Lykke-Andersen 57 Prado Racing Team
8 Peter Westlake 56 Prado Racing Team

Women 50-59

1 Celest Arambulo 55 Prado Racing Team 
2 Amy Halseth 55 Prado Racing Team
3 Janay Osantowski 52 Prado Racing Team
5 Alisa Rodgers 52 Prado Racing Team

Men 60-69

1 Tim Stafford 60 Prado Racing Team
4 Mimo Parkins 60 Prado Racing Team 
6 Scott McEntee 68 Prado Racing Team

Women 60-69

1 Margi Bell 60 Prado Racing Team

2025 San Diego USATF Dirt Dog XC Series
Congratulations IRON DOGS*!

*Iron Dog status is awarded to all runners who raced all 6 races in the series, plus the championship race. This year, the race honored Carl Brandt who was a big part of the running community and supporter of local San Diego runners. This Iron Dog is for you Carl!

2025 Carrera de los Muertos

Masters Race Results

                    
Race Place    Name    Time    S    Div    Div Place
1    Chuck McKeown    23:19    M    40+    1
4    Paul Wellman    24:10    M    40+    4
5    Victor De la paz    24:36    M    50+    1
6    Edgar Diaz    24:41    M    50+    2
10    Jens Lykke-Andersen    25:42    M    50+    4
12    Yari Fontebasso    26:09    M    40+    7
13    Derek Bradley    26:21    M    40+    8
22    Mimo Parkins    27:23    M    60+    2
24    Peter Westlake    27:44    M    50+    7
28    Robert Yeh    28:22    M    40+    14
                    
Race Place    Name    Time    S    Div    Div Place
1   Jenn Santa Maria    25:57    F    40+    1
2   Karla Khalifa    26:31    F    40+    2
3   Celest Arambulo    26:51    F    50+    1
11 Margi Bell    30:31    F    60+    1

Chuck McKeown and Jenn Santa Maria share their trophies for winning the Carrera de los Muertos for the 2nd year in a row

Open Race Results

Race Place    Name    Time    S    Div    Div Place
2    Brian Wyatt    20:58    M    Open    2
4    Henry Myers    21:05    M    Open    4
7    Zach Laurenzana    21:16    M    Open    7
14    Robert Martinez    22:29    M    Open    14
19    Matt Nelli    23:03    M    Open    19
22    Kevin Sorrell    23:18    M    Open    22
26    James Melkonian    24:07    M    Open    26
53    Will Gravelle    27:21    M    Open    44
 
Race Place    Name    Time    S    Div    Div Place                                       
3    Iz Davis    25:51    F    Open    3
5    Alli Felsenthal    26:15    F    Open    5
6    Andrea Ludwig    26:24    F    Open    3
7    Lindsay Benster    26:26    F    Open    6
11  Lizzy Coda    27:20    F    Open    6
12  Madison Tanner    27:29    F    Open    10
13  Carrie Hinners    27:32    F    Open    11

Andrea Ludwig making her PRT debut with a strong showing in her first race... running 26:24 which was 3rd in her age division, 6th overall in the race 
photo: Arjun Pundarika

Brian Wyatt leading the PRT open men's team with a 2nd place overall finish

Matt Nelli and Kevin Sorrell battling it out at the Carrera de los Muertos
photo: Arjun Pundarika

Lizzy Coda working her way through the Carrera de los Muertos

Team friend Arjun Pundarika (arjunrunsalot@gmail.com) put together a photo album of our race pictures for your viewing pleasure: https://adobe.ly/4ocodSu 

Thanks for sharing Arjun! 

2025 JK8K

The JK8K course is challenging, confusing at points, and is the longest race of the regular Dirt Dog season. PRT Highlights included Celest Arambulo winning the masters race overall. Iz Davis made her PRT debut this season with a strong 2nd place finish in the women's open race. Age division winners from PRT were Brian Wyatt (finished 3rd overall in the open men's race), Alli Felsenthal, Tim Stafford, Karla Khalifa (finished 2nd overall in the masters race), and Janay Osantowski. In the team competition, PRT won in the women's open division, the women's 50+ division, and the men's 50+ division.

PRT race results are below, for a full list of results click here

Our good team friend Arjun Pundarika (arjunrunsalot@gmail.com) was kind enough to take a few photos of us during the race and has compiled them into the following album for your viewing pleasure: https://adobe.ly/4n6b10m  Thanks for sharing Arjun! 

4th Annual JK8K - Open Results
Sunday, October 12, 2025            

3    Brian Wyatt    1/16    25:56
6    William Gravelle   2/11    26:12
9    Flavio Ponzina    4/16    26:27
11    Zachary Laurenzana   5/16   26:30
17    Robert Martinez    8/16    27:53
19    Chris Brunnquell    2/10   28:10
23    Kevin Sorrell    5/10   28:38
24    James Melkonian    5/11   28:39
30    Hunter    Daniel    8/10    M    29:31
32    Tay    McAllister    12/16    M    30:55

4th Annual JK8K - Open Results
Sunday, October 12, 2025            

2    Iz Davis    2/7    31:29
5    Alli Felsenthal    1/4    31:52
6    Lauren Davis    2/4    32:22
7    Rebekah Bosler    3/8    32:36
10  Carrie Hinners    3/4    35:12
12   Bre Guzman    5/7    35:55

4th Annual JK8K - Masters Results    
Sunday, October 12, 2025            

3    Paul Wellman    2/4    29:08
6    Edgar Diaz    2/7    29:50
7    Victor de la Paz     3/7    30:53
9    Jens Lykke-Andersen    2/8   31:17
12    Tim Stafford    1/6    32:34
17    Mimo Parkins    2/6    33:35
20    Peter Westlake    5/8    34:13
40    Chris Moreland    5/5    40:43

4th Annual JK8K - Masters Results    
Sunday, October 12, 2025    

1    Celest Arambulo    1/3    32:21
2    Karla Khalifa    1/5    32:40
4    Amy Halseth    2/3    34:23
5    Janay Osantowski    1/5    35:16
6    Alisa Rodgers    2/5    36:12

2025 Balboa Boogie 5k

Congratulations to everyone who raced the Balboa Boogie 5K last week! Will Gravelle led the way for the open men with a top 3 finish, while Anna Pappas won the overall women's open race, leading the women's open team to a win. Congratulations!
Below are the PRT highlights:

3 WILL GRAVELLE 67 27 3/19 M 14:57 4:49
8 HENRY MEYERS 286 25 7/19 M SAN DIEGO 15:08 4:53
10 ZACHARY LAURENZANA 102 31 2/24 M 15:20 4:56
11 FLAVIO PONZINA 250 31 3/24 M 15:24 4:58
21 JAMES MELKONIAN 131 26 10/19 M 16:22 5:16
23 HUNTER DANIEL 289 38 3/16 M SAN DIEGO 16:31 5:19
24 CHRIS BRUNNQUELL 240 36 4/16 M 16:32 5:20
28 MATTHEW NELLI 144 32 9/24 M 16:55 5:27
32 ANNA PASTERNAK 283 32 1/14 F SAN DIEGO 17:04 5:30
40 TAY MCALLISTER 281 32 14/24 M SAN DIEGO 17:32 5:39
50 REBEKAH BOSLER 21 29 4/16 F 18:14 5:53
54 CHRISTINE GUERRERO 244 34 3/14 F 18:28 5:57
73 BRIDGET NOLAN 145 33 7/14 F 19:21 6:14

On the masters side, Chuck McKeown led the way for the men with a 2nd place overall finish, while Jennifer Santa Maria won the overall masters women's race, leading the team to victory in this division. Other divisions PRT was able to win were the Women's 50+, the Men's 50+, and the Men's 60+ teams.. congratulations! 


2 CHARLES MCKEOWN 129 43 1/12 M 16:19 5:15
5 PAUL WELLMAN 214 47 2/14 M 16:43 5:23
8 EDGAR DIAZ 278 51 2/14 M SAN DIEGO 17:23 5:36
9 VICTOR DE LA PAZ 264 50 3/14 M SAN DIEGO 17:26 5:37
15 JENS LYKKE-ANDERSEN 121 57 2/10 M 18:10 5:51
17 CHRIS MORELAND 139 43 5/12 M 18:13 5:52
21 JENN SANTA MARIA 180 46 1/8 F 18:49 6:04
23 CELESTINE ARAMBULO 7 55 1/6 F 18:54 6:05
24 KARLA KHALIFA 96 42 1/13 F 18:54 6:05
28 MIMO PARKINS 270 60 1/16 M SAN DIEGO 19:10 6:10
29 TIM STAFFORD 192 60 2/16 M 19:13 6:11
31 ROBERT YEH 224 49 8/14 M 19:19 6:13
36 ERICA SCHOELLER 182 41 2/13 F 19:27 6:16
43 MEGAN LIZOTTE 273 41 4/13 F SAN DIEGO 19:47 6:22
49 PETER WESTLAKE 216 56 5/10 M 20:12 6:30
51 ANDREW BLOCK 266 56 6/10 M SAN DIEGO 20:23 6:34
56 JANAY OSANTOWSKI 261 52 2/9 F SAN DIEGO 20:43 6:40
63 MARGI BELL 14 60 1/4 F 21:33 6:56
70 SCOTT MCENTEE 128 68 1/9 M 22:06 7:07

2025 Crazy 8's 5K

Congratulations to age division winners Charles McKeown, Karla Khalifa, Celest Arambulo, Jennifer Santa Maria, Janay Osantowski, Scott McEntee, and Margi Bell on the masters side. In the open race, Lisa Goodin and Anna Pappas won their respective divisions as well. 

In the overall race winning category, Karla Khalifa took top honors in the Women's masters race, while Lisa Goodin won the Women's open race. 

Shoutout to Henry Myers & Alisa Rodgers who both made their PRT debuts at Crazy 8's. Alisa took 2nd place in her age division, while Henry finished 3rd overall in the open race.  Welcome to the squad!

Saturday, September 13, 2025                        
10th Annual CRAZY 8's 5K XC RACE Master's Results (Winner + PRT results)

1    Okwaro Raura, 50, 1/13    M    16:05
4    Charles McKeown, 43, 1/14    M    16:51
6    Paul Wellman, 47, 3/12    M    17:08
10    Alex Phipps, 44, 5/14    M    17:43
12    Victor De La Paz, 50, 3/13    M    17:47
15    Edgar Diaz, 51, 4/13    M    17:56
20    Jens Lykke-Andersen, 57, 2/9    M    18:40
26    Chris Moreland, 43, 9/14    M    19:05
27    Karla Khalifa, 41, 1/9    F    19:07
29    Celest Arambulo, 55, 1/8    F    19:23
30    Tim Stafford, 60, 2/13    M    19:29
32    Jennifer Santa Maria, 46, 1/5    F    19:32
37    Mimo Parkins, 60, 3/13    M    19:43
42    Jessica Sebor, 41, 3/9    F    20:14
45    Robert Yeh, 49, 11/12    M    20:26
55    Janay Osantowski, 52, 1/7    F    21:12
56    Alisa Rodgers, 52, 2/7    F    21:18
64    Scott McEntee, 68, 1/9    M    22:12
68    Margi Bell, 60, 1/4    F    22:38

10th Annual CRAZY 8's 5K RACE Open Results (Winner + PRT results)

1    Ty Lopez, 27, 1/18    M    15:08
3    Henry Myers, 25, 2/18    M    15:16
4    William Gravelle, 27, 3/18    M    15:32
17    Robert Martinez, 31, 5/23    M    16:30
20    James Melkonian, 26, 7/18    M    16:47
24    Kevin Sorrell, 37, 6/14    M    16:56
27    Lisa Goodin, 39, 1/3    F    17:05
30    Anna Pappas, 32, 1/13    F    17:18
37    Hunter Daniel, 38, 8/14    M    17:43
39    Tay McAllister, 32, 13/23    M    18:01
40    Jacob Wood, 33, 14/23    M    18:09
49    Christine Guerrero, 34, 3/13    F    18:48
51    Lauren Davis, 35, 2/3    F    18:53
54    Rebekah Bosler, 29, 5/19    F    19:05
67    Bridget Nolan, 33, 5/13    F    19:54
84    Madison Tanner, 31, 10/13    F    21:16

2025 Tom Bache Balboa 4-Miler

This is how the 2025 Balboa 4-mile race went down. The masters race kicked off the day... highlights from the race included Chuck McKeown winning his age division and taking 2nd place overall. Edgar Diaz won his age division as well. On the women's side, Megan Lizotte won the race in 27:18. Amy Halseth and Margi Bell won their respective age divisions as well. From a team standpoint, the women's 40+, men's 50+, and men's 60+ teams took the team wins in those divisions. Special mention and welcome to Victor De La Paz who debuted for PRT in the masters 50+ division helping them secure the win with his 3rd place finish in that division.

Check out the PRT Balboa 4 miler photo album courtesy of Arjun Pundarika

San Diego Track Club 60th Annual Tom Bache Balboa 4-Miler Cross Country
Masters Results

2 Charles McKeown 1/17 M 24:02
5 Paul Wellman 3/13 M 24:43
7 Edgar Diaz 1/13 M San Diego 25:07
8 Alex Phipps 4/17 M 25:22
15 Victor De La Paz 3/13 M San Diego 26:01
19 Jens Lykke-Andersen 3/10 M 26:40
20 Yari Fontebasso 6/17 M 26:56
21 Chris Moreland 7/17 M 27:10
23 Megan Lizotte 1/13 F 27:18
26 Karla Khalifa 2/13 F San Diego 27:36
33 Erica Schoeller 3/13 F 28:14
36 Mimo Parkins 2/12 M 28:23
38 Amy Halseth 1/11 F 28:47
57 Janay Osantowski 2/6 F San Diego 31:20
66 Margi Bell 1/3 F 32:46
70 Scott McEntee 2/10 M 32:55
87 Derek Bradley 11/13 M San Diego 36:00
101 Celestine Arambulo 8/11 F 38:10

Open race recap
 

Up next was the open race... the open women showed their depth this week by winning the race with a different lineup than they had a Wild Duck. Lisa Goodin once again led the way for the squad winning the race in 24:10. Rounding out the team was Lindsay Benster, Lauren Davis, Rebekah Bosler, and Bre Guzman. Shout out and welcome to Lauren on her first race with the team and making an immediate impact in the scoring. Well done team!

On the men's side, Zach Laurenzana led the way by winning his age division and finishing 6th overall. Rounding out the scoring was Will Gravelle, Flavio Ponzina, Zach Jaltecho, and Matt Nelli. The men's team took 2nd place in the open division. Nice work lads.

San Diego Track Club 60th Annual Tom Bache Balboa 4-Miler Cross Country
Open Results

6 Zach Laurenzana 1/22 M 22:03
7 William Gravelle 4/18 M 22:06
10 Flavio Ponzina 2/22 M 22:28
17 Zach Jalteco 7/18 M 23:30
22 Matthew Melli 6/22 M San Diego 24:01
23 James Melkonian 9/18 M 24:02
26 Lisa Goodin 1/3 F 24:10
31 Kevin Sorrell 5/23 M San Diego 24:18
32 Chris Brunnquell 6/23 M 24:21
35 Robert Martinez 10/22 M 24:28
38 Hunter Daniel 9/23 M San Diego 24:44
56 Lindsay Benster 4/16 F 27:12
57 Lauren Davis 2/3 F 27:19
67 Rebekah Bosler 4/9 F 27:49
69 Bre Guzman 5/16 F San Diego 28:12

2025 Wild Duck 5K Recap

New look, new season. The 2025 San Diego USATF Dirt Dog cross-country series began in Guajome Park in Oceanside Highlights for the 1st race of the 2025 season… A great opening race for PRT at Wild Duck

Lisa Goodin and Celest Arambulo won the overall open women's and masters women's races. Shout out to the division winners Mimo Parkins (60+ master men) & Karla Khalifa (40+ masters women) as well.

In the team competition, PRT took the wins in the masters women's 40+, masters women's 50+, open women's, and masters men 60+ divisions.

Race highlights below...

PRT Open squad debuting the new uniforms for cross-country

Open women's race PRT highlights
1 Lisa Goodin 17:22 *Overall open women's winner
2 Anna Pappas 17:28
4 Alli Felsenthal 18:42
5 Christine Guerrero 19:00  ***Debut PRT race***
6 Rebekah Bosler 19:04 ***Debut PRT race***
13 Lindsay Benster 20:05   

Open men's race PRT highlights
4 Brian Wyatt 15:19 ***Debut PRT race***
7 Flavio Ponzina 15:35 ***Debut PRT race***
10 Will Gravelle 15:39
12 Zach Laurenzana 15:43
18 Zach Jalteco 16:37 ***Debut PRT race***
19 Zach Lewis 16:40
24 James Melkonian 16:57
25 Jack Terwilliger 17:06  ***Debut PRT XC race***
26 Kevin Sorrell 17:11
31 Hunter Daniel 17:31
33 Lukas Thompson 17:42
34 Thomas Whitcomb 17:43
36 Tay McAllister 18:00 ***Debut PRT XC race***
40 Nick Scarpello 18:12
41 Jacob Wood 18:22      

Masters women's race PRT highlights
1 Celest Arambulo 19:15 *Overall masters women's winner
2 Karla Khalifa 19:28 *1st place 40+ division
3 Jenn Santa Maria 19:38
4 Jessica Karlsson 19:42
5 Megan Lizotte 19:43
6 Amy Halseth 19:47
7 Jessica Sebor 19:49
12 Janay Osantowski 21:47

Masters men's race PRT highlights
3 Paul Wellman 17:11 
6 Chuck McKeown 17:28 
10 Edgar Diaz 17:57 
11 Alex Phipps 17:59 
14 Jens Lykke-Andersen 18:59
15 Chris Moreland 19:16 
18 Yari Fontebasso 19:31 
25 Mimo Parkins 20:21 *1st place 60+ division ***Debut PRT XC race***
26 Tim Stafford 20:26
42 Scott McEntee 23:03
43 Peter Gerstoft 23:13
49 Andrew Block 24:53
50 Robert Yeh 24:54 ***Debut PRT race***

2025 PRT Fall Kickoff

Mission Bay provided the backdrop for the 2025 PRT kickoff meeting on Sunday, August 10. This year the team unveiled a new unified look, featuring an icy blue & coral color scheme to try to capture some of that San Diego coastal feel, while retaining the iconic Cabrillo Bridge & California Tower which make up the El Prado Complex. New look, new season… PRT is ready for the San Diego USATF Dirt Dog cross-country series!

2025 Prado Racing Team photo

The team listens intently as words are spoken

There was a lot of finger pointing going on

In the shade was the place to be

The captains sporting some of the new team swag available for purchase from the new team store (Use code PRT to gain access)

The choreography of gathering for the team photo

Inspiring the next generation

2024 Fall XC Kickoff

At Runner’s Bathroom at Mission Bay on a beautiful Saturday August 17 the Prado Racing Team (PRT) fall kickoff got the team in gear for about the upcoming Dirt Dog XC season.

Prado Racing Team takes a team photo down by the bay.

But cross country isn’t all we’ll be up to this fall. Spot us at road races around San Diego and beyond all fall season.

See you out there!

Just a Few 2022 Season Highlights!

2022 USATF San Diego Road Series Recap

Men’s Open Division

Post finish line bliss for Chris!

PRT welcomed Chris Moreland to the Men’s squad earlier this spring! Here’s Chris finishing the Carlsbad 5000 in May. It was the team’s 11th year running the iconic SoCal road race with PRT jerseys scattered across the leaderboards. As for the overall road series this past spring, PRT veteran Hunter Daniel led the PRT open men with strong finishes at the Navy Bay Bridge Run (6th), the Carlsbad 5000 (13th), and the Old Pros 10k (9th). Christopher Wernke tied Hunter in points with his highest finish coming at the Old Pros 10k (6th). But the highest finish isn’t always a measure of how well you feel about a race. Chris explains, “My best race of the road series would have to be the Carlsbad 5000. The course is competitive and has a fast finish. It was also nice to get a little redemption (and PR) after a not so great Boston.”

Hunter Daniel had a nice PR day at the Bay Bridge Run this past spring. He took 6th overall. Awesome race Hunter! Photo by IG: @chaserunssd

Team captain Kevin Sorrell bringing it home at the Navy Bay Bridge Run!

Chris Wernke with a big PR at SoCal’s iconic road race: the Carlsbad 5000!

Not far behind Chris in the standings was team captain Kevin Sorrell who raced the last 3 races of the series well. His top race was Navy Bay Bridge 4 mile run, where he finished 8th in his division. Overall, the men finished 3rd in this competitive category.

Men’s Masters Division

In the Men’s Masters Division, Kevin Johnson led the way for Prado Racing Team with 2 wins (Navy Bridge Run, Carlsbad 5000) and a 4th place finish at the San Diego Half Marathon. Edgar Diaz and Yari Fontebasso finished in 3rd and 5th places in the division as well. This earned the PRT Masters men the overall team title for the series.

Masters runner Kevin Johnson 1:19:08 at the San Diego Half Marathon! Nice work!

Yari Fontebasso hammering down 6th Avenue. Yari was 4th overall masters runner with a 1:19:02 working alongside Kevin! Well done!

In the Men’s 50+ division, Jens Lykke-Andersen finished in 4th place in the overall standings. He finished 3rd place at both the Kook 10K Run and the San Diego Half Marathon. Other division highlights were Andrew Block’s 3rd place at the Old Pros 10k, and Michael Stange’s 4th place finish there as well.

In the Men’s 60+ division, Peter Gerstoft led the way with a 2nd place finish at the San Diego Half Marathon. Combined with his 3rd place at the Kook Run and 4th place finish at the Navy Bay Bridge Run, Peter finished 4th place overall in the Men’s 60+ division.

Individually, Dick Robinson won the Carlsbad 5000 race in his only race of the series, running one of the fastest times in the nation for his age division.

Dick Robinson (right) smashed the Carlsbad 5000. He’s joined in this photo by his teammates post-race: Kevin Johnson, Edgar Diaz, Paul Wellman, and Jonathan Fenton.

Women’s Open Division:

Prado Racing Team won the Women’s Open Division team competition led by Anna Pappas and Erin Menefee who earned the top two spots in the series. Anna was the series champion and scored a perfect 300 points with convincing wins at the Cardiff Kook Run, the Carlsbad 5000, and the Old Pros 10k. Erin finished 2nd in the series with a win at the Navy Bay Bridge Run, 2nd place at the Old Pros 10k, and two 3rd placings at the Cardiff Kook Run and the Carlsbad 5000. Rounding out the top 10 individual places were Bridget Nolan and Karla Khalifa, finishing 8th and 10th respectively.

Bridget Nolan shared with us her thoughts on the spring road racing season. “My favorite race in the road series was the Cardiff Kook! I actually ended up running a PR! The course has a lovely downhill which I enjoyed on the way out. Even though I had to suffer on the uphill on the way back!

 Women’s Masters Division:

Hilary Corno won the overall series with wins at the Kook Run and the Navy Bay Bridge Run, while adding a 2nd place finish at the San Diego Half Marathon to cement her series individual title. Amy Halseth won the 50-59 age division with a perfect score of 300. Although only your top 3 races count towards your series points, Amy won all 4 races she competed in (Kook Run, Navy Bay Bridge Run, Carlsbad 5000, and the Old Pros 10k).

PRT women, plus team veteran Hunter Daniel, team frosh Chris Moreland, and team captain Kevin Sorrell! “We were on the bridge, and now we are here.” Prado Racing Team at the 2022 Navy Bay Bridge Run. Photo by women’s team captain Amy Halseth via Instagram @amyhalseth

Hilary Corno won the overall series starting with this win at the Kook Run in February!

2022 DIRT DOG

16th Annual Wild Duck “Martha Walker” 5km

“It was fine day of racing to kick of this season” –Scott McEntee

In the first race of the Dirt Dog series, the Open Women, the Masters Men (40+), Masters Men (50+), and Masters Men (60+) all walked away with team wins at this race.

 As Scott McEntee put it, “The 40+ and 50+ team had looked like sure winners. The surprise was the 60+ team win. It was fine day of racing to kick of this season.”

Charles McKeown, in his first race as a master’s runner, led the way for PRT with a 2nd place finish. Kevin Johnson, Jason Batterson, Alex Phipps, Jonathan Fenton, Yari Fontebasso, and Edgar Diaz finished in quick succession, where we had 7 PRT runners place in the top 10.

Jason Batterson says, “Wild Duck is always a favorite of mine. Dirt Dog season is the best, and everyone comes out for the start at Wild Duck. I get to see friends I haven't seen in months. This year it was especially fun to see the mass of PRT 40+ masters come through at 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13. I also really enjoy that I get to watch my son race XC in the same park. Guajome is a long way to go, but well worth it.”

On the Open Men’s side, Brett Olson led the way with Chris Wernke. Hunter Daniel, Kevin Sorrell, and Evan Reed making up the open squad to take 2nd place in the team competition.

The Open Women took the team competition here with a strong showing. Anna Pappas won for the 2nd year in a row, while Erin Menefee took 3rd. Madison Tanner finished in 4th, and Carrie Hinners rounded out the team score with a 10th place finish.

57th Balboa Park “Tom Bache” 4-miler

Unlike the Wild Duck 5k which had perfect weather, the Balboa 4 mile race was contested under extremely warm & humid conditions.

In the Masters 40+ division, Chuck McKeown, Alex Phipps, Jeff Tomaszewski and Kevin Johnson went 3-4-6-7 which was just enough to get the team win.

The Boom-Milestone team brought out the big guns for the 50+ race with Stephen Johnson and Robert Verhees going 1-2 and John Healy in 5th for the win. Marc Sosnowski, Andrew Block and Jens Lykke-Andersen went 4-7-8 which was good for 2nd place, which was just what the team needed from this race.

Dick Robinson, Scott McEntee and Rick Wade went 1-3-4 in the 60+ division, which locked down their 2nd win in that division.

Additionally, this was the first race of new teammates Jeff Tomaszewski and Rick Wade who both were able to make an immediate impact for the team.

On the women’s side, the open women were once again led by Anna Pappas, who defended her title from 2021 as Balboa 4 mile champion. Madison Tanner, Bridget Nolan, Lindsay Benster, and Carrie Hinners made up the squad for this race where they were able to finish 2nd place behind a strong showing from the San Diego Track Club.

The Open Men did not field a team for this race, but Hunter Daniel ran well as an individual representing PRT.

7th Annual Crazy 8's 5km

In the 7th Annual Crazy 8’s 5km race held in Rancho Bernardo, the men’s 60+ team walked away with the team win going 1-4-5 (Dick Robinson, Rick Wade and Scott McEntee), beating SDTC and the Jamul Toads.

In the 40’s team division, PRT placed second behind Boom Running. Boom went 1-2-4-9 (Glenn Racz, Okwaro Raura, Dan Lesser and Michael Clinch). PRT went 3-5-6-15 (Chuck McKeown, Jason Batterson, Alex Phipps and Paul Wellman.  It was a similar story in the 50+ division. Boom went 1-2-6 (Stephen Johnson, John Healy and Brian Skiles). PRT went 5-7-9 (Andrew Block, Jens Lykke-Andersen and Jeff Creighton).

In the Open Race division, the PRT women once again won in convincing fashion, though the San Diego Track Club continues to close the gap. Anna Pappas won individually in 17:14. Erin Menefee was 2nd in 17:30. Madison Tanner was the 3rd scorer in 18:03, and Aundrea Koger rounded out the team scoring in 18:09. One other notable result was team captain Fiana Kumm made her return to racing with a very strong debut in the series at 18:54, which was 1st in her age group.

On the men’s side, Chris Wernke led the way as he continued his strong 2022 season with a 16:01, just missing the “16-minute barrier”. He was followed by teammates Andrew Wood (16:39), Hunter Daniel (17:03), Kevin Sorrell (17:29).

56th Balboa Boogie “Ursula Rains” 5km

Charles McKeown had been knocking on the door of a series win all season, and on October 1, he won the Balboa Boogie, his first individual title in the masters division. He led a master’s men sweep of the first 5 places (Kevin Johnson, Jason Batterson, Alex Phipps, and Andrew Corman) for the team win.

Dick Robinson won the 60+ age group decisively again, paving the way for a narrow one point 60+ team (Scott McEntee 6th & Rick Wade 7th) over the Jamul Toads.

The masters Women did not field a team this year, but Amy Halseth (20:38) won her division individually, with Celest Arambulo (21:22) coming in 3rd in her division.

In the open race, the PRT women took 2nd place as a team led by Aundrea Koger (18:53), Jessica Clar (19:29), Lindsay Benster (19:52), Erica Schoeller (20:02).

Carrera De Los Muertos 4-Mile

Next up in the series was the inaugural Carrera De Los Muertos 4 miler held at Chollas Lake. Charles McKeown defended his individual title at this race running 22:38 over the reigning series champion Okwaro Raura. ), PRT won in the masters division with Jason Batterson finishing 3rd (23:50), Yari Fontebasso 6th (24:25), and former team captain Dan Seidel finishing 9th (25:13). Another former team captain Derek Bradley 10th (25:14) made his solid return back to racing here as well. Lots of fantastic leadership in this race. It was like a TED talk.

The PRT Open Women once again reigned supreme in this race with a near full squad. Anna Pappas took home her 4th individual title of the season (23:57). She was followed by Erin Menefee (24:49), Aundrea Koger (25:30), Fiana Kumm (25:40), Kelsie Pearson (25:56), Madison Tanner (26:46), Lily Seynaeve (26:55), Nicole Jaffke (27:04), Carrie Hinners (27:11), Lindsay Benster (28:07).

The PRT open men took a nice 2nd place win in the team competition. The team was led by Derrick Lloyd (22:18). He was joined by Anthony Malatesta (22:51), Brett Olson (23:39), Hunter Daniel (23:39), Evan Reed (24:20), and Nick Scarpello (26:05).

1st Annual JK 8K

In another first, the JK 8K was introduced to the dirt dog series (replacing the Cuayamaca 6K).  Kevin Johnson led the way for the master’s men with an individual 2nd place finish (28:35). Andrew Corman (29:47) & Chris Moreland (30:08) joined him, but we were one runner shy of a team to score.

Amy Halseth (34:02) won her age division and she was followed by her teammate Celest Arambulo (34:45) who was 2nd individually in her division.

Chris Wernke returned to racing and leading PRT in the open men’s division with his 10th place (26:07). Evan Reed (29:03) and Kevin Sorrell (30:23) rounded out the representation for PRT in this race.

USATF San Diego Cross Country Championship

As these things usually go, it all comes down to the championship. This year’s San Diego – Imperial USATF Association 2022 Open and Masters Cross Country Championship was held at Tecolote Shores in East Mission Bay Park. The course is nearly all run on grass, with a few minor sidewalk crossings. This year, the course was not muddy and was in fairly decent shape. Several runners were able to run faster than in year’s past. One of those who took advantage of the conditions was Chris Wernke who led the open men’s squad in 12th (27:21). The squad of Hunter Daniel (29:40), Evan Reed (29:41), Nicholas Scarpello (29:59), Brett Olson (31:50), Kevin Sorrell (32:02) finished 4th in the series.

In the men’s master’s race, PRT would come up on the short end of a very tightly contested race between PRT (19 points) and Boom Running (17 points) in this “lowest points wins” affair.

Charles McKeown once again led the way for PRT finishing in 2nd (28:03). The team of Jason Batterson (29:01), Alex Phipps (29:28), Kevin Johnson (29:33), Edgar Diaz (30:31), Yari Fontebasso (30:39), and Andrew Corman (30:51) finished in 2nd

The 50+ division was very competitive this year. Representing PRT in the division were Jens Lykke-Andersen (32:35), Jeff Creighton (32:41), Marc Sosnowski (32:48), Andrew Block (32:48) who were able to take 2nd place as a team.

Dick Robinson remained undefeated all year in his age division (60+) and put the stamp on a great season with a win here (32:29). His 500 series points was perfect. He joined with Scott McEntee (36:30) and Peter Gerstoft (39:27) to a second place team showing in the 60+ division.

In another competitive team competition, the open women’s division was up for grabs as both PRT and SDTC Elite both had claims to the title of Dirt Dog Champion. But, there could only be one. The score had to be settled on the course in a battle for the ages. Whereas the master’s men lost a close battle with the Boom Running team, the open women won a very close race against SDTC Elite.

As had happened all year, Anna Pappas once again led the team with a win and overall series title (22:18). She finished with a perfect 500 score in terms of points, a feat worthy of mention. Coming in 3rd and 4th was Erin Menefee (23:22) & Aundrea Koger (23:51). Kelsie Pearson would finish 8th (24:12) and Madison Tanner (24:14) represented the 4th scorer in the team competition which would prove pivotal as it came down to just 3 points in the end. Teammates Lily Seynaeve (24:20), Carrie Hinners (25:07), Erica Schoeller (25:21), Lindsay Benster (25:48) all came through with brilliant race performances on this championship day.

In the masters division, Amy Halseth won her age division having gone undefeated in that category also finishing with a perfect 500 points. It’s lonely at the top so Celest Arambulo joined her on the podium finishing in 2nd place in the series with 451 series points.

Another fantastic season in the books… chapter 2023 is coming up next! Stay tuned…

Open Women’s 2022 Dirt Dog XC Season Recap

Anna Pappas cruising to victory

The PRT Open Women’s team ran with incredible depth throughout the Dirt Dog XC 2022 season and showcased why the team has remained at the top of the San Diego racing scene. For the second year in a row, the PRT Open Women was led by the speedy and talented Anna Pappas. She dominated the cross country season and remained undefeated in every single Dirt Dog race she toed the line in. The highlight of the season was the PRT Open Women’s team victory at the USATF San Diego Dirt Dog Championship race at Tecolote Shores on November 20, 2022.

Wild Duck 5K

The Wild Duck 5k at Guajome Park was the first race of the Dirt Dog season and proved to be a great rust buster after a solid summer of base-building for the team. Anna Pappas took the win by almost a minute in 17:17, followed by a 3rd place effort by Erin Menefee (18:24), Madison Tanner in 4th (18:35), Carrie Hinners in 10th (19:36), Bridget Nolan (19:56), and Erica Schoeller (21:31). The Wild Duck 5k was a resounding success as the women took the overall title over the San Diego Track Club Elite.

57th Balboa Park Tom Bache 4-Mile XC Race

On an unseasonably warm San Diego morning, PRT runners took to the hills of the challenging Balboa 4-mile course. Anna Pappas continued her winning ways as she won in a convincing fashion with a finishing time of 24:45. She was followed by Madison Tanner in 7th (27:07), Bridget Nolan in 10th (28:48), Lindsay Benster in 11th (29:01), and Carrie Hinners in 12th (29:11). The women scored 2nd overall as a team.

Crazy 8’s = Crazy Fun

The PRT Open ladies showed their depth at Rancho Bernardo Park on September 17th. The ladies were led by another individual win by Anna Pappas in 17:14, followed closely behind by Erin Menefee in 2nd (17:30), Madison Tanner in 4th (18:03), Aundrea Koger in 6th (18:09),  Fiana Kumm in 8th (18:54), Lily Seynaere in 9th (19:11), Lindsay Benster in 11th (19:22), Jessica Clar in 12th (19:25), and Nicole Jaffke in 13th (19:30).

Left to right: Erin Menefee, Anna Pappas, Fiana Kumm, Madison Tanner, Lily Seynaere, Nicole Jaffke, Aundrea Koger, Carrie Hinners, Lindsay Benster, and Jessica Clar.

Carrera De Los Muertos 4-Mile XC

The PRT Open Women took to the hills of a new course this year at Chollas Lake on October 22nd. Anna Pappas once again zoomed to a first place finish in 23:45, followed by Erin Menefee in 3rd (24:49), Aundrea Koger in 6th (25:30), and Fiana Kumm in 7th (25:40). Kelsie Pearson had a strong race to finish in 8th (25:56), Madison Tanner in 12th (26:46), Lily Seynaere secured 13th (26:55), Nicole Jaffke in 14th (27:04), Carrie Hinners in 15th (27:11), and Lindsay Benster finished in 16th (27:35).

PRT Open Ladies Takes Home the Dirt Dogs Team Title (Again)!

Anna Pappas cruising to victory. Right: The PRT Open Women’s team celebrates after a successful USATF San Diego Dirt Dogs Championship at Tecolote Shores on November 20, 2022. From left to right: Madison Tanner, Lily Seynaere, Anna Pappas, Erin Menefee, Willie Banks (former triple jump world record-holder), Aundrea Koger, Carrie Hinners, Lindsay Benster, and Kelsie Pearson.

The USATF San Diego Dirt Dogs Cross Country Championship race was all about the team, as the score truly came down to the wire. The PRT Open women’s team was a thrilling one to watch and led by Anna Pappas, who cruised to the finish in 22:18. Erin Menefee turned in a solid performance with a 3rd place finish in 23:22, and Aundrea Koger made up significant ground in the second half of the race to close hard and finish 4th in 23:47. Kelsie Pearson had a great kick to finish in 8th place in 24:12, followed closely behind by Madison Tanner in 11th (241:14) and Lily Seynaere in 12th (24:20), Carrie Hinners in 14th (25:07), Erica Schoeller in 15th (25:21), and Lindsay Benster in 20th (25:48).

The Fall 2022 Road Recap:

In addition to the trails, the PRT Open women took to the roads in the Fall 2022 racing season. Some of the highlights from the year was Erin Menefee’s 1st place finish at the Thrive Half Marathon in the open division on November 12th in 1:18:48 along with Carrie Hinners (1:29:44). The PRT Open women represented well at the Chicago Marathon on October 9, 2022, which was led by Bridget Nolan. Nolan ran an impressive time in her fast attempt at 26.2 miles, turning in a 2:58:5  and Erica Schoeller finished in 3:03:16. Schoeller also raced the TCS New York City Marathon a few weeks later, and finished in 3:18:55. On December 4th, the PRT Open ladies took to the streets of Sacramento to cap off a fantastic racing season at the California International Marathon (CIM). Erin Menefee showed true grit after going out in OTQ pace and finished in 2:48:54, followed by a PR’s for Madison Tanner (2:49:31), Kelsie Pearson (2:50:51), and Nicole Jaffke (2:56:43). Carrie Hinners also raced her fastest marathon in 7 years and turned in a great time of 3:09:41.

Looking Ahead

The PRT ladies had a fast fall and will be back in action in 2023! To stay in the know with day-to-day team happenings and performances, follow PRT on Instagram @pradoracingteam or at facebook.com/pradoracingteam.

Rain and Mud couldn't Muzzle these Dirt Dogs: XC kicked off this morning at Wild Duck

As PRT rookie Anna Pasternak captured gold this morning during the legendary Wild Duck 5K at Guajome Park, she was leading these ladies in PRT’s first XC race since 2019! An epic event hosted this morning by Joe Crosswhite and USA Track and Field San Diego. Both PRT Masters’ squads + Open Women’s squads each unequivocally ran away with the team W’s.

Photo courtesy IG @annarpast

Pictured from left: Nicole Jaffke, Anna Pasternak, Karla Khalifa, and Erica Schoeller

Take a moment to admire the Master’s Men: placing 3 through 9 and dominating this first race of the morning: scoring 25 points, and looking good doing it in the fresh new kits. The Men of Prado unveiled new uniforms this morning that made even these old guys look handsome.

Masters Men of PRT moments before the gun

Until next time (Tom Bache Memorial Balboa 4-Miler on September 4th), it’s back to work!

Fall 2019 XC Recap: Masters Women

Wrapping up the 2019 season on November 10th at Tecolote Shores, the PRT Masters Women’s team added yet another cross country team title to their trophy case!  Plagued by injuries and thinner roster in 2018, the women were determined to re-claim their title this November and showed up in strong fashion, fending off a formidable challenge from the 2018 defending champion San Diego Track Club.

The 2019 season started off well with a team win at the Wild Duck race at Guajome Park, where Hilary Corno took the individual win, and Celest Arambulo and Amy Halseth finished up high enough that the team won as well. The PRT women also got the team win at the Balboa 4-Mile race, where Hilary, Angela Moll, and Amy led the way. But the SD Track Club fought back hard, with team victories at Crazy 8s 5K, the Balboa Boogie 5K, and the Cuyamaca College 6K. 

PRT Women’s Masters – Amy Halseth, Charisa Clarkson, Hilary Corno, and Angela Moll after the Balboa 4-Mile

PRT Women’s Masters – Angela Moll, Amy Halseth, Hilary Corno, and Celest Arambulo after the Balboa Boogie 5K

Dirt Dog Championship Race

With the women’s team having two team victories leading into Champs (compared to three victories for SD Track Club), Champs became a “winner take all” for the series win. While SD Track Club had won the last few matchups, their #1 runner was not planning on racing. Yet still, looking at previous race results, it was clear it was going to come down to whichever team had the better race on the day. The race was being held at the Tecolote Shores grass course, the same site as the Balboa Boogie 5K earlier in the season, where SD Track Club had demonstrated their strength on a tough course. But at Champs, the race was on!

Hilary took the overall masters win for the women in 23:21 over the 6K course, finishing in 3rd place for all the women racing, with Track Club’s #1 finishing just a couple places back in the overall standings. Celest was the next masters runner to finish, with Amy not too far behind—and ahead of SD Track Club’s 2nd and 3rd runners—to clinch the team race.

Hilary’s victory also meant that she won the individual title for 2019 to go along with her victories in 2015, 2016, and 2017. (In 2018 Hilary had a different focus, which was qualifying for the Olympic Trials in the marathon, which she did in Chicago.) Talk about a super star!

The PRT Women’s Masters Team loved racing cross country this year, especially having such great competition from our friends on SD Track Club. Dirt Dog XC is a great San Diego racing tradition and we are happy to have been a part of it!

The women post-Champs race, including team member Tracy Wright who we are hoping to have back racing with us next year!

Fall 2019 XC Recap: Masters Men

The PRT Men’s Masters team added some new faces this year. Justin Turner and Randy Ray joined existing 40+ team members Jamaal Ryan, Jason Batterson, Kevin Zimmer, Mike Stange and Paul Wellman. For the 50+ team, Dick Robinson proved to be a valuable mid-season addition to the existing team of Andrew Block, Jeff Creighton, Jens Lykke-Andersen, Marc Sosnowski and Patrick Lanoiselee. The 60+ team saw the return of Greg Wagner, Scott McEntee and Thom Hunt.

PRT Men’s’ Masters – Jens Lykke-Andersen, Scott McEntee, Dick Robinson, Marc Sosnowski, Patrick Lanoiselee, Jeff Creighton, Randy Ray, Paul Wellman, Jamaal Ryan and Kevin Zimmer. Missing from photo are Andrew Block, Greg Wagner, Jason Batterson, Justin Turner, Mick Stange and Thom Hunt

The season started off well with both the 40+ and 50+ teams winning at the Wild Duck, the first race of the series. Individually, Kevin Zimmer took 1st place in the 50+ division, while Jason Batterson, Jeff Creighton and Scott McEntee took 2nd place in their respective divisions.

The 40+ team followed up with wins at the Bake at the Lake, the Crazy 8’s and the Cuyamaca College races. Jason Batterson led the team winning the Masters’ division at the latter three races.

The 50+ team swept all six of the races leading up to the Dirt Dog championship race. Along the way, Jeff Creighton took 1st place in the 50+ division at both the Bake at the Lake and the Crazy 8’s race.

USATF Masters 5K XC Championship Race

The USATF Masters 5K XC National Championship race was run in conjunction with the Balboa Boogie 5K which was moved to Tecolote Shores this year. For the PRT Masters’ runners, this was a race within a race. The race was an official Dirt Dog race with normal team and individual scoring considerations for San Diego-Imperial association runners. It was also a National Championship race which drew runners from across the country to the race.

PRT mustered enough runners to field 40+ and 60+ teams to qualify for scoring in both races. The 50+ team mustered enough team members to score for the Dirt Dog race, but was one short to score for the National race.

Jason Batterson, Jamaal Ryan, Justin Turner, Mike Stange and Randy Ray ran strong races earning a 4th place finish for the 40+ team in the National competition and a 2nd place for the Dirt Dog scoring.

Jeff Creighton, Marc Sosnowski and Patrick Lanoiselee led the 50+ team to a win in the 50+ Dirt Dog race. Kevin Zimmer, who ran down with the 40+ team for the Dirt Dog race, took 1st place in the National race for the 55+ division. The 50+ team would have taken 1st in the National race if any one of our injured runners had been able to toe the line.

PRT entered a 60+ team for the first time all season. The team of Thom Hunt, Scott McEntee and Greg Wagner took second place in both the National race and the Dirt Dog race.

Dirt Dog Championship Race

Both the 40+ and 50+ teams entered the Championship race with a chance to claim division titles. Additionally, Jason Batterson was in good position to win the 40+ series title. A number of other team members were in contention for winning prize checks based on their overall performance.

Jason led all PRT Masters’ runners with a time of 27:56, finishing in second place which was all he needed to claim the Dirt Dog series championship. Jamaal Ryan was next to cross the line, finishing in 29:24 and claiming 4th place in the series. Justin Turner and Kevin Zimmer finished neck and neck, both with a time of 30:06 to complete the scoring for the 40+ team. Kevin, who was running down with the 40+ team, claimed 1st place in the race for the 50+ division.

Jason Batterson accepting the Dirt Dog trophy for his Dirt Dog season win

At this point, PRT had finished with 20 points. Boom Running was standing at 8 points with one runner still needing to finish. Boom’s fourth scorer crossed the line 34 seconds later, finishing 8th and giving boom a score of 16 and claiming the title. PRT’s 40+ team claimed second place for the series.

Due to a rash of injuries, the 50+ team was barely able to field the minimum of three required to score for the race. Marc Sosnowski was the first team member to cross the line with a time of 31:48. Jeff Creighton overcame a tumble to finish close behind in 31:58. Dick Robinson, a mid-season recruit, finished in 33:08, earning the 50+ team a win for the race and sealing the overall Dirt Dog series win for the fifth consecutive year. Individually, Jeff, Marc and Kevin all earned series checks for their 2nd, 4th and 5th place finishes in the overall series.

PRT Men’s 50+ Team, from left to right, Dick Robinson, Jens Lykke-Anderson, Patrick Lanoiselee, Marc Sosnowski, and Jeff Creighton; along with Race Director Paul Greer

PRT was unable to muster a 60+ team for the race, but Scott McEntee finished 4th in the 60+ division with a time of 34:53, which was good enough to take 3rd place for the overall series.

Iron Dogs

Jason Batterson and Scott McEntee showed off some old man strength and resilience by securing the coveted Iron Dog honors for competing in each and every single Dirt Dog Cross Country Series race throughout the 2019 season! Congratulations to these guys, and to the entire Masters Men’s squad on a fine season.

Fall 2019 XC Recap: Open Women

The PRT Open Women’s team turned the tide this cross country season by reclaiming the USATF San Diego-Imperial Dirt Dog XC team title at the November 10th Championship race. The team victory was icing on the cake of a stellar season, establishing the PRT ladies as the premier competitive racing team in the San Diego area.

All smiles after the Cuyamaca 6k: A few of the PRT Open Women’s team (including a few of our stellar master’s women—Charisa and Amy). From left to right: Bridget Nolan, Liz Ryan, Nicole Jaffke, Kristin Schleicher, Erin Menefee, Charisa Clarkson, Fiana Kumm, Amy Halseth, and Kelsey Nielsen.

Wild Duck 5k

One of the largest team turnouts of the regular racing season was at the Wild Duck 5k race on August 17th in Guajome Park. The PRT Open Women went 1-2-3 led by Mary Schneider in 17:31, followed by Fiana Kumm in 18:04 and Erin Menefee in 18:16.

Getting Crazy at the Crazy 8’s 5k

The rain couldn’t stop the PRT Open ladies from dominating the competition at the Crazy 8’s 5k at Rancho Bernardo Park on September 28th. The ladies were led by Mary Schneider with another individual win as she dipped under 17 for the first time in 16:56, followed by a strong performance by Sofie Schunk placing 2nd in a fine time of 17:37. Erin Menefee placed 5th in 18:00,  Kelsey Nielsen in 18:37, Liz Ryan in 18:53, Bridget Nolan in 18:57, Karla Khalifa in 18:57 taking 8th-11th places, and Kristin Schleicher in 13th place in 19:32.

The PRT Open Women’s Team after a rainy Crazy 8’s 5k. From left to right: Karla Khalifa, Mary Schneider, Kelsey Nielsen, Bridget Nolan, Sofie Schunk, Kristin Schleicher, Erin Menefee, and Liz Ryan.

PRT Open Ladies Takes Home the Dirt Dog Team Title

The open ladies crushed the competition at Tecolote Shores on Sunday, November 10th and reclaimed their team title in the final race of the Dirt Dog season: the USATF San Diego-Imperial Association Team Championship 6k race. The ladies went 1-4 and were led by Mary Schneider, who blazed through the course in 22:42, followed by Erin Menefee in 23:11, Sofie Schunk in 23:26, and Liz Ryan in 23:40. Mary, Erin, and Sofie claimed the top three places in the 2019 Dirt Dogs XC series overall standings as well. Mary had a tremendous season racing undefeated in her first Dirt Dogs XC racing experience in San Diego.

Mary Schneider and Sofie Schunk in action at the San Diego- Imperial USATF Association Cross Country Championships.

The Future is Bright

The team showed incredible depth throughout the 2019 Dirt Dogs XC season, and looks to have a large impact in the upcoming road series and on the track in 2020. During the 2019 season PRT also welcomed several fresh faces to the roster that made an immediate impact: Mary Schneider, Kelsey Nielsen, and Nicole Jaffke. Mary led the PRT women and finished the season undefeated, securing the overall open title while setting personal bests along the way. Kelsey raced in several meets and turned in a strong performance at the Crazy 8’s 5k with a time of 18:53. Nicole, a former Marquette University pole-vaulter turned distance runner, set personal bests in several distances this season.

Returning runners Erin Menefee, Sofie Schunk, Fiana Kumm, and Liz Ryan had fine seasons with notable performances throughout the season, with Erin taking home the open “W” in the Cuyamaca College 6k with a 21:51, Fiana raced to a new PR and a runner-up performance in the Cuyamaca College 6k in 22:05, and Sofie turned in a speedy time at the Crazy 8’s 5k in Rancho Bernardo Park with a 2nd place finish in 17:37. Liz made a comeback from an injury and gained steam throughout the season with a 4th place finish at the championship race. In February, Liz will be representing PRT along with Marie Zanderson and master Hilary Corno at the US Olympic Trials in Atlanta, Georgia.

For more information on final teams + individual standings, click the following link to learn more about the notorious USATF San Diego-Imperial Dirt Dog Cross Country series.

To stay in the know with day-to-day team happenings and performances, follow PRT on Instagram @pradoracingteam or at facebook.com/pradoracingteam.

Fall 2019 XC Recap: Open Men

This November the men’s squad wrapped up the USATF San Diego-Imperial Dirt Dog Cross Country season with plenty of accomplishments worth celebrating and recounting…

Team.

The Open men of PRT stood out among the San Diego competitive clubs in typical fashion—fielding a formidable scoring-five squad at every single race during the series.

Most Open Men of Prado (plus Justin!) posing for a team pic after Crazy 8’s in Rancho Bernardo: October 2019. Pictured from left to right (back row):

“Not That” Jon “The Rookie” Pierce; “The Pack” Hunter Daniel; “Danger” Dan Seidel, Alex “Fear My Kick” Phipps, Justin “Time” Turner, Thomas “Wicked Fast, Wimpy Stash” Whitcomb, “Clutch” Chris Wernke, Anthony “Make the Ladies go Idyll-Wild” Malatesta, Oliver “Twist” Langford, Andrew “Work Horse” Wood, (kneeling, left to right) Brett “Barn Burner” Olson, Nick “No Big Deal” Scarpello, Jonathan “Fast and Furious” Fenton, Yari “You Gotta Try My Gnocchi” Fontebasso.

All We Do Is Win

The open men captured the team win at Bake at the Lake with authority, by a score of 20 – 81, over second-place Milestone Running, in the historic race’s inaugural entry into the series.

A few good Men of Prado, from left to right: Thomas Whitcomb (hidden behind Jon Pierce), followed by Anthony Malatesta, Nick Scarpello, Andrew Wood, Tyler “Thunderwood” Underwood (fun hat), and Dan Seidel. The men draw a line in the sand with their feet to mark the start line moments before the starting gun for the Bake at the Lake 2019 at Lake Hodges. The men won 20–81 over crosstown rival Milestone Running.

Double Crown

Tyler Underwood bested the entire field twice for two individual race victories, at the Bake at the Lake and Cuyamaca 6K. This upcoming February, Tyler will represent PRT at the Olympic Marathon Trials in Atlanta, GA.

New Racers on the Block

This fall the open men welcomed four new tenacious team members with all-star running resumes: Jon Pierce, Anthony Malatesta, Chris Wernke, and Andrew Wood. All four made immediate impacts to the team, not only because they pushed their teammates in training bouts, but also because every single one of these new guys scored points for the Open Men this season, cracking into the top five in one or more races. As a matter of fact, Anthony was the top dog at the Balboa Boogie. Meanwhile Chris was counted among our championship five-man scoring squad in his first season as a cross-country runner, ever! Jon showed tenacity as a consistent, key lowstick among the top guys, while Andrew was a role model and a workhorse: winning the Iron Dog honors for competing week in and week out all season long.

Iron Dog Andrew Wood wills teammate Jamaal Ryan forward to the finish line in the closing meters of the Dirt Dog XC Championships, November 10 at Mission Bay. Photo courtesy of Christopher Friend. View Christopher’s Online Photography Gallery here.

The Endgame & Looking Ahead

The Open Men took second by a slim margin behind San Diego Track Club, as our clubs traded friendly jabs all season long: teeter-tottering back and forth between team wins, individual wins, and hard-fought mid-pack battles on both sides.

Iron Dogs

Thomas and Andrew: Way to be out there every weekend. You are members of an elite class of 2019 Iron Dogs, competing selflessly all season long and scrapping for every point.

For more information on final teams + individual standings, click the following link to learn more about the notorious USATF San Diego-Imperial Dirt Dog Cross Country series.

To stay in the know with day-to-day team happenings and performances, follow PRT on Instagram @pradoracingteam or at facebook.com/pradoracingteam.

Fall 2018 Racing Recap

Without much change in the weather, the surest way to know it’s fall in San Diego is by the arrival of the Dirt Dog cross country season. PRT started the season with a bang at the Wild Duck 5K, with a clean sweep of wins by Tyler Underwood, Paul Wellman, new member Natalie Hopkins, and Amy Halseth. Jamaal Ryan and Jason Batterson turned in strong performances at the hilly Balboa 4 Miler, finishing one second apart in 2nd and 3rd in the Masters Men’s race. Coming off a tough fall at that race, Celest Arambulo turned around to nab the Masters Women’s win at the newly-extended-to-10K Perros Bravos race in Bonita, while Jason Batterson took the Masters Men’s title.

The series returned to shorter races with the Crazy 8’s 5K, where Jamaal Ryan notched a win and Fiana Kumm took second place in the open race. Jamaal’s winning streak continued at the Balboa Boogie 5K, while in the open races Oliver Langford and Elizabeth Ryan were PRT’s top performers. Fiana won the Open Women’s race at the Cuyamaca 6K.

In the Championships race, the scoring team of Fiana, Erin Menefee, Sofie Schunk, and Bridget Nolan was narrowly defeated (by one point) by a strong boom running team. Fiana finished ranked 2nd in the championship race and the series for Open Women, while Celest finished 3rd both in Champs and the series for Masters Women. In the Open Men’s race, Tyler Underwood (2nd) and Oliver Langford (6th) finished in the top ten, while Derrick Lloyd, Derek Bradley, and new member Jonathan Fenton rounded out the scorers for PRT. Jason Batterson finished 3rd in the masters race and 2nd in the series standings. The men’s 50+ team, led by Kevin Zimmer, took the Dirt Dog title for their age division.

To close the cross country season, Jason, Paul, Scott McEntee, and Tracy Wright made a special trip to Spokane, WA to compete at the USATF National Club Cross Country Championships.

Fiana Kumm at Dirt Dog Champs

Hunter Daniel At Dirt Dog Champs

In addition, many PRT members took to the roads for half-marathon and marathon races. Highlights included three Olympic Trials qualifying marks amongst the women’s team - Marie Zanderson (Berlin Marathon), Hilary Corno (Chicago Marathon), and Elizabeth Ryan (2nd OTQ, California International Marathon). Members who notched marathon PRs in the fall included Angela Moll (twice - both at Berlin and CIM), Derrick Lloyd (New York City Marathon) and new member Mary Schneider, Kevin Sorrell, and Brian Coullahan (CIM). PRT athletes also competed in the Kaiser Thrive Half Marathon and Holiday Half Marathon locally in San Diego, with Bridget Nolan notching nearly a 6 minute PR on the favorable Holiday Half course. After a break for the holidays and a party to celebrate everyone’s accomplishments in January, the team is ready to take on 2019!

Spring 2018 Racing Recap

From February to July, members of Prado Racing Team tore up the San Diego road racing circuit, with squad appearances at the following races: the Cardiff Kook 10K (February), Coronado Valentine's Day 10K (February), Carlsbad 5000 (March), Cinco de Mile Run (May), Navy Bay Bridge Run 4M (May), San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon (June), and the Scripps Ranch Old Pros 10K (July). 

For the women's team, the spring season featured multiple club record performances. Elizabeth Ryan lowered the 10K club record on 3 separate occasions, starting with 35:02 at the Kook 10K, then 34:52 at Coronado a week later, and finally smashing the mark with a 34:14 at the Scripps Ranch 10K on July 4. In addition, she clocked the squad's first sub-17 minute 5K with a 16:54 on the track at the Oxy Invitational. Hilary Corno notched another club record (both masters and overall) in the half marathon at Rock 'n' Roll SD with a 1:15:42 clocking and also set a new masters standard of 34:58 in the 10K at Scripps Ranch. Finally, in her first race in the PRT kit, Fiana Kumm recorded the first sub 5 mile for the PRT women, running 4:59.33 at the final USATF-SD Summer Nights track meet.

In addition, a number of club members turned in PR performances: Sofie Schunk ran a breakthrough 17:31 5K at Carlsbad, Angela Moll and Bridget Nolan set back-to-back PRs at RnR SD, and Kaitlin Hildebrand PR'd at the OC Half Marathon. Celestine Arambulo and Amy Halseth also turned in strong half marathons at RnR SD.

On the men's side, highlights included a wild Carlsbad 5000 performance in which Ryan Place finished 4th in 15:11 after the lead men were stopped by a train. Tyler Underwood and Oliver Langford dueled at the Cinco de Mile Run, finishing in 2nd and 3rd, but both would go on to even more impressive races - a sub-20 clocking at the Bay Bridge Run and comfortable win at the Old Pros 10K for Tyler, and a 15:17 track 5K PR for Oliver.

In the masters ranks, Brian Coullahan ran an impressive 2:47 Boston Marathon in historically difficult conditions. Jason Batterson took the masters win at the Cinco de Mile Run in 4:54. Finally, in his first season with the team,  Jens Lykke-Anderson suited up for six of the team focus races as well as the Carlsbad and La Jolla Half Marathons.

The most popular race was the Carlsbad 5000 with 26 PRT athletes (men and women) competing. Overall, the team made over 110 San Diego appearances.

USATF San Diego Awards Banquet

Several PRT members were recognized at the USATF San Diego annual awards banquet at Stone Brewing Company on February 25, 2018 for their excellence in running for the 2017 season. The PRT athletes receiving awards for the spring long distance running season were: Open Male Road Runner of the Year Carl Dargitz, Masters Male Road Runner of the Year Jason Batterson, and Masters Female Road Runner of the Year Amy Halseth. For the Dirt Dog Cross Country season, Hilary Corno was recognized as Masters Female Runner of the Year. Congrats to all!

Left to right: Carl Dargitz, Jason Batterson, Men's Long Distance Running chair Nick Scarpello, Hilary Corno, and Amy Halseth pose with their awards.

2017 USATF National Club Cross Country Championships Recap

Courtesy of Scott McEntee

The PRT 50+ nationals squad of Marc Sosnowski, Robert Verhees, Jeff Creighton, Matt Sheremeta, and Kevin Zimmer (not pictured: Adam Weiner) mug for the camera in Lexington, KY along with Boom Running's Stephen Johnson.

Fresh off their dominant Dirt Dog XC season, the Men’s Masters 50+ team travelled to Lexington, Kentucky to compete in the USATF National Club Cross Country Championships.

Leaving 80 degree weather behind in San Diego, the team stepped off the plane into sub-freezing conditions at Lexington. Those braving the cold were Adam Weiner, Jeff Creighton, Kevin Zimmer, Marc Sosnowski, Matt Sheremeta, and Robert Verhees.

At the start of the men’s 10K race, the temperature was 22 degrees factoring in the wind chill. At the gun, Matt took off like a rocket with Kevin and Robert close on his heels. They kept in sight of each other all the way through the race with Kevin pulling ahead of Matt near the finish. Whether PRT would podium was going to be decided by Adam, Jeff and Marc. All three put in strong performances, so we thought we had a strong chance.

Everyone needed to warm up (i.e. off to the rental cars and turn the heaters on) while waiting for the official results.  The good news arrived shortly thereafter that PRT took a solid third place in the Men’s Masters 50+ division.

In team scoring, Kevin placed 8th, Matt in 11th, Robert in 12th, Adam in 31st, Jeff in 49th and Marc in 57th. Impressively, in the 55-59 division age grouping, Adam finished 7th.

With their outstanding performance at Lexington, the PRT Men’s Masters 50+ team are now on the national radar!