Oak Tree Race Results
2021 OAK TREE 5K RESULTS
2021 OAK TREE HALF MARATHON RESULTS
2021 Oak Tree Race
There were 353 finishers in the 17th Oak Tree Half Marathon & 5K that took place in Geneseo on September 5, 2021. The event, which benefits Genesee Valley Conservancy, is a fundraiser for the local land conservation not-for-profit working to protect habitat, open space, and farmland in the Genesee Valley. The Conservancy currently protects 23,500 acres of land.
This year’s Oak Tree Race winners are, in the half marathon, Paul Suflita (Rochester) in 1:14:58 and Laura Iafrati (Rochester) in 1:30:35. In the Oak Tree 5k, William Buckenmeyer (Batavia) won in 18:29 and Catherine Staley (Geneseo) won in 20:05.
Half Marathon
In the Oak Tree Half Marathon there were 141 total finishers. The overall and male Oak Tree Champion is Paul Suflita of Rochester in a time of 1:14:58. This is Suflita’s first Oak Tree appearance and victory. He bested John Schnitter of Geneseo (1:18:36) by 3:33 who captured 2nd place. In third place, Darren Schutt of Webster finished in 1:20:40.
On the female side, Laura Iafrati won her second Oak Tree Half Marathon in 1:30:35. Iafrati is the only runner to have won at both Oak Tree distances over the years, having won the Oak Tree 5k in 2009 when she set the still standing course record of 18:15. Her previous half marathon victory came in 2010 when she ran a 1:27:22. In second place, Rachel Johnson (Endicott) finished in 1:32:59, 2:24 behind Iafrati. In third place, Jeannie Bujdos (Elmira) finished in 1:34:31.
Half Age Group
Only two male age group records were set this year. Jim Park (Buffalo) ran a 1:24:58 to set a new record for the 55-29 age group, taking the record away from Tim Dwyer who ran a 1:25:53 in 2019. Dwyer still holds 2 age group records for the 45-49 and 50-54 age groups. Ron Wrightman (Wellsville) set a new 70+ course record, bettering David Monk’s 1:52:11 in 2017 by running a 1:46:44.
No new female age group records were set.
Oak Tree 5K
There were 212 finishers in the Oak Tree 5K. William Buckenmeyer posted a 18:29 to take first place, 20 seconds ahead of Nicholas Staley (Geneseo) who ran a 18:49. In third place, Matthew Case (Honeoye Falls) finished in 19:01.
On the women’s side, Catherine Staley of Geneseo captured a record tying fourth Oak Tree 5K with her 20:05. Geneseo’s Bobby Henchen is the only other runner to have won four Oak Tree titles, all in the 5k (2005, 2011, 2012, 2013). Staley’s wins came in (2017, 2018, 2020, 2021).
5k Age Group
There were no new age group course records set this year.
17 Years 17 Finishes
Jeff Matthews (Geneseo) and Annette Brenner (Honeoye Falls) each finished this year’s Oak Tree Half Marathon, and each extend their perfect streak of Oak Tree finished at the half marathon distance!
Planting Trees
Two years ago, the roads of Geneseo lost over 300 ash trees as a result of the invasive emerald ash borer insect. Last year, Genesee Valley Conservancy received a waive of donations from the community and from Oak Tree runners to start a replanting effort on Nations Road and other effected roads in the town.
A diverse selection of trees were planted last fall with additional tree plantings anticipated this fall.
Preserve Expansion
Proceeds this year will help the Conservancy with their recently expanded Island Preserve property, located in Geneseo across the street from the central school.
A 17 acre expansion in the spring of this year secured a trailhead access location for the preserve to Lima Road, creating a link from the Lima Road neighborhood to the school on Route 39. The organization is currently reviewing options for its management including additional trails, educational uses, and habitat creation.