Thanks to the work of nearly 40 volunteers, the Wilmot Community Association’s (WCA) 14th annual Black Fly Blitz on Memorial Day – Monday, May 28 – was a resounding success. Timothy Cunningham of Springfield was first across the finish line at 17 minutes 55 seconds. Sophia Reynolds of Andover was the first woman at 22 minutes 16 seconds. The results of all 157 finishers can be found online at www.WilmotWCA.org.

Proceeds from the Black Fly Blitz support the WCA’s programs and facilities. The track and cross-country teams at Kearsarge Regional High School (KRHS) receive a portion of the race proceeds.

Several KRHS students, all members of the track and cross-country teams, assisted with the race. They included: Marliese Baer, Jenna Bears, Ben Boulton, Hunter Burns, Mya Dube, Trevor Pauling and Evan Pauling. KRHS coaches, staff and parents assisting with the event included Peter Angus, Ernie Brake, Brian Pauling and Ed Rehor.

Runners and walkers were ably assisted by Wilmot’s finest. David Zuger, Wilmot police chief, led the runners and walkers around the course in a police cruiser. Wilmot police officer Russ Lamson helped coordinate safety for participants as well as spectators.

Members of the Wilmot Volunteer Fire Department’s FAST Squad including Ethan Ballin, Sean Brunel, Scott Carpenter, Tom Jenssen, Jonathan Jusczyk and Darren Phipps were on hand to assist with any medical emergencies. The Wilmot Ladies Aid Society loaned their tables. The Wilmot Highway Department provided road barricades to ensure participants’ safety at intersections along the course.

Nikki Arsenault, Janet Baker, Lisah Carpenter, Ann Davis, Chris Jenssen, Donna Miller, Jan Sahler, Rachel Seamans and De Segerson baked cookies and provided additional food for race participants.

Bill Burris set up his wonderful handmade games. He was ably assisted by Bill Doody. Margaret Doody applied temporary tattoos – in a black fly motif – to the delight of children and adults.

Other volunteers included: Jenny Santora, Molly Santora, Will Santora, Jim Santora, Keith Seamans and Adam Glass. Marc Davis assisted with sponsor recruitment. Susan Nye photographed the event.

Forty-eight race sponsors ensured the financial success of the Black Fly Blitz. They included:

Super platinum
Rayno Construction LLC

Platinum
Clarke’s Hardware, Echo Communications, Gutgsell & Phipps Dentistry, Kearsarge Property & Landscaping and Lakes Region Tent & Event.

Gold
A Cut Above Tree Service, FloorCraft LLC, Frank Anzalone Associates, InterTown Record, Huckleberry Propane & Oil LLC, Northeast Delta Dental, Perkins Landscaping, Pizza Chef of Andover, Scott Carpenter Construction, Tom Conway Tree Service and Walker Automotive Services Inc.

Silver
Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, Barton Insurance Agency, Belletetes Inc., Better Homes & Gardens Milestone Real Estate, Byron’s Septic Service LLC, C.A. Miller Plumbing & Heating, Chadwick Funeral Service LLC, Cherry Pond Fine Furniture, Colonial Pharmacy, Hubert’s of New London, Kearsarge Veterinary Clinic PLLC, Marathon Landscaping, Marshall’s Garage, Park N Go Market, Philip Nicholson Builder, Pleasant Lake Veterinary Clinic, Road ID, Spring Ledge Farm, Sugar River Bank, Terhune Family and Woods Without Gile LLC.

Bronze
Dr. Donna Reed, PLLC, Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty, Hannaford New London, Joan Marie’s Beauty Boutique, McCrillis & Eldredge Insurance, Morgan Hill Bookstore, Mountainside Racquet & Fitness Center, Promotional Solutions Inc. and Woodcrest Village.

Our congratulations to all the runners and walkers and sincere thanks to everyone who helped make the Black Fly Blitz a fabulous event!