Photos by Anthony McDonald
The 47th edition of the Arnold Mills Road Race proved to be no contest for both the men's and women's winners on Saturday morning.
In the men's race, former Cumberland High all-stater Bobby Hartnett won his second title at the popular four-miler. Hartnett, who was also the 2011 champion, went to work right away. He built a sizable lead after the first mile and won by nearly 200 yards with a time of 20 minutes, 6 seconds. Finishing second was former East Greenwich standout Ben Fazio in 20:38. Rounding out the top five was recent Bishop Hendricken grad Nick Celico in third (20:45), six-time champion and one of R.I.'s top masters, Chris Magill of Cumberland, in fourth (20:57) and Cumberland grad Abdullah Kaba in fifth (21:05).
For the second straight year, Cumberland alumni Hilary Dionne was the first across the line in her hometown race, placing 20th overall in the field of 594 runners.. The 27-year-old Dionne, one of the country's top marathoners, finished with a new course record of 22:03. She was almost two minutes ahead of second-place finisher, Kyle McQueen-Feldman of Cumberland (24th, 23:56). Selene Scott of Cumberland was third among women with a time of 25:30 (41st overall). Amy Laverty, who will be a senior at Cumberland this fall, was the top high school runner, taking 45th in 25:44. South Attleboro's Sarah Grant was fifth and 51st overall with a time of 26:00.
Coming soon, MIleSplit RI will have a complete video of the race, more photos and video interviews.