More than 600 runners and walkers from across the territory and the mainland crossed the finish line at the 10th Annual 8 Tuff Miles road race on Saturday morning, Feb. 25, but the top finishers— for both men and women—were homegrown talent.
Living up to all the hype this year, part-time St. John resident Jeremy Zuber, 25, once again came in first place overall with a winning time of 49 minutes and 20 seconds. This was ZuberÂ’s third 8 Tuff Miles win in a row and he posted his best race finish ever.
‘Race Pace’ Lives Another Year
Despite his impressive time, however, Zuber did not top the “Jolly Dog 8 Tuff Miles Race Pace” of 48 minutes and two seconds to claim the $2,000 cash prize. Jolly Dog owners Jeff and Jennifer Donnelly will add another $500 to the pot next year, hopefully enticing more top runners from across the V.I. and the mainland.
Ben Nephew, 30, a visitor from Mansfield, Mass., was ZuberÂ’s closest competitor, and the second finisher overall with a time of 50 minutes and 56 seconds. Third place overall went to 53-year-old St. Thomas resident Calvin Dallas who posted a time of 57 minutes.
Loiacano Wins Againbr> St. John resident Regina Loiacano, 32, was the top female finisher with a time of 58 minutes and five seconds, marking her fourth 8 Tuff Miles win. Last yearÂ’s winner Letitia Dusich, 25, from St. Croix, took second place this year, posting a time of 59 minutes and six seconds.
Kelly Fullerton, a visitor from Seattle, Wash., was the third female to cross the finish line, with a time of one hour, three minutes and nine seconds.
The course, which stretched a little more than eight miles from Cruz Bay to Coral Bay, was dotted with well-wishers and festive water stations. A number of runners and walkers took the time to thank the supporters along the roadway.
It was a true Love City day, with most of the island out supporting the participants and each other.
A complete list of finishers can be found on the 8 Tuff Miles Web site at www.8tuffmiles.com
