Jaime Julia and Jake Krong will both represent the Adirondack Region in the 10,000 meter run at the Empire State Games, set for July 25th - 29th.

Running in extremely hot and humid condidtions (temperature well over 90 degrees...and the Weather Channel said to not even go outside), Julia and Krong settled into an easy pace for the first 3200 meters, running at or near the back of the pack. Kevin Spaulding of Mohonasen shot out to an early lead, as he was in front by well over 50 meters at the 2 mile mark. At the halfway (5000m) point, the main pack (which started off at about 8-10 runners) had dropped down to only 4. With about 10 laps to go Jaime and Jake trailed Spaulding by about 55-65 meters, but were poised to make their move.

Working together the pace quickened, and each lap they made up ground on the leader. Before the race Coach Palczak had said to "use the first 20 laps as a warm-up, then go all out the last 5." That's exactly what happened.

Julia and Krong caught Spaulding with 1000 meters to go and passed him. Both runners took turns in the lead, each increasing the pace even more. Spaulding responded by re-taking the lead with 450 meters left. The last quarter mile was all-out for all 3 runners. Spaulding held first until Julia passed him with just under 200 meters to go, while Krong was less than a step behind in 3rd. With 125 meters to go, Krong made a move on the inside of Spaulding to go shoulder to shoulder with Julia. They sprinted down the final straightaway only a step ahead of Spaulding. In an extremely close finish, Julia was first in 35:56.6, while Krong was second in 35:56.8.

The 10,000 meter run at ESG will be held July 26, 2001, 8:00 a.m., at Canastota High School. Opening ceremonies for the games will be July 25, 5:30 p.m., at Rome Free Academy in Utica.

ESG Qualifier Photo Gallery