Schwinghamer, Peterson winners at Four on the Fourth

by Tom Coombe
After going virtual in 2020, Ely’s annual four-mile race around the Trezona Trail returned in full force this year.
Two new winners were crowned this year at the four-mile race that kicks off Ely’s Fourth of July Celebration.
Michael Schwinghamer was the overall winner and Cailee Peterson was the first female to cross the finish line at the Janet Gensler Memorial Four on the Fourth.
Schwinghamer, 22, completed the Sunday morning race in 21:00.5, while the 21-year-old Peterson, who was seventh overall, had a time of 24:30.
The event doubles as a fundraiser for Ely’s high school track teams and attracted more than 160 participants.
Taking second place overall was Joseph Dabado, 32, of Chicago, in 22:32.8.
Rounding out the top-10 male finishers were:
• Andrew Kephart, 21, Cedar Falls, Ia., 22:41;
• James Schwinghamer, 20, Ely, 22:42;
• Blake Gallardo, 18, Santa Clarita, Cal., 22:46.2;
• Jasper Johnston, 18, Ely, 23:52.2;
•Brent Allen, 40, Maple Grove, 25:10.4;
• Gabriel Pointer, 17, Ely, 25:31.3;
• Jimmy Zupancich, 18, Babbitt, 26:02.6;
• Jake Saari, 33, Duluth, 26:36.1.
Behind Peterson, the remaining top-10 women were:
• Erin Schwartz, 38, Ely, 28:05.1;
• Allison Carroll, 33, Chicago, 28:14.9;
• Kelsey Farkas, 22, Ardmore, Penn., 29:30.5;
• Cassidy Molina, 19, Saugus, Cal., 29:43.9;
• Lorelyn Akins, 28, Atlanta, Ga., 30:49.7;
• Sydney Augustin, 17, Circle Pines, 30:55;
• Jaiden Olson, 20, Chancellor, 31:03.9;
• Sarah Morris, 42, Shore-view, 31:04.7;
• Julia Schwinghamer, 18, Ely, 31:17.8.
The top male walker was Ely’s Roger Skraba (58:35.8) with Dan Dusich four seconds behind.
Andrea Kuzel of Duluth was the first female to cross the finish line among those walking, with a time of 1:01:18. Leslie Kuzy of Minneapolis was a second behind.
The event is named after the late Janet Gensler, who was instrumental in starting the race several years ago.
Complete results from the race may be accessed online at www.stevestiming.org.