DALLAS — Eric Shaver and Nadalie Solomon ran to easy victories in the Back Mountain Catholic Youth 5K Run on Saturday at Gate of Heaven Catholic Church.

Shaver, 25, of Dallas, crossed the finish line in 20 minutes and 41 seconds. He outran second-place finisher, Gene Burke, 36, also of Dallas, by 23 seconds.

“I went out easy,” Shaver said. “I didn’t kill myself on the hills. (The race actually starts on an uphill). I kept pushing the guy in front of me (Burke). I would come up on him to let him know I was challenging him. Then I would fall back, so that he would have to work hard. Then I would do the same thing again — make him work.”

Shaver finally passed Burke and moved in front at the 2-mile marker. He was never challenged after that.

Shaver is a triathlete who finished 12th in the Wilkes-Barre Triathlon in August. He finished fifth in the Beware of Barracuda Triathlon in Hazleton two weeks ago.

Solomon captured top female honors with a third-place overall finish in 21:06.

“I went out conservative because of the hills,” Solomon said. “I felt pretty good, so I pushed myself over the last two miles.”

Solomon said she’s trying to get back into a good training routine, after not being very active on the racing scene over the past three years since giving birth to two children ages three and one.

Her win at Gate of Heaven was her second in eight days. She won the Steph’s Fall 5K Run in Forty Fort on Sept. 24.

Proceeds from the Catholic Youth 5K go to the Back Mountain Catholic Youth Group, an organization that does charity work both locally and at out-of-town locations.

The group hopes to travel to New York City next month to work with the poor at a crisis center, according to Jayne Klenner, the youth group treasurer.

Locally, the group has worked with numerous service organizations, including the Catholic Youth Center, Ruth’s Place, Mother Teresa’s Haven, Dorothy Day Catholic Workers Farm (Harveys Lake) and at numerous soup kitchens.

Cadets from King’s College’s R.O.T.C. served as road guards for the race.

6th annual Back Mountain Catholic Youth 5K Run results

Top 3 male finishers

Eric Shaver, 25, Dallas, 20:41

Gene Burke, 36, Dallas, 21:04

Sean McMonagle, 18, 21:25

Male award winners: Overall: Shaver; Burke; McMonagle. Age group winners: 14 & under: 1. Max Steinruck, Shavertown; 2. Peter Federici, Dallas; Adam Zarola, Shavertown. 15-19: 1. Chris Ash Sweet Valley, 23:12. 20-29: None. 30-39: None. Masters division: 40-49: 1. Keith Brosious, Falls, 219; 2. Joe Zarola, Shavertown; 3. Doug Clark, na. 50-59: 1. Jerry Levandoski, Dallas, 25:27; 2. Ed Ogonski, Hanover Twp.; 3. Carl Boos, Exeter. 60 & over: None.

Top 3 female finishers

Nadalie Solomon, 36, Nuangola, 21:06

Sandra Ross, 43, Dallas, 25:34

Deana Manoni, 48, Dallas, 25:55

Female award winners: Overall: Solomon; Ross; Manzoni. Age group winners: 14 & under: 1. Caroline Siegel, Dallas, 27:25; 2. Amanda McGurk, Dallas; Grace Aiello, na. 15-19: None. 20-29: 1. Sam Mattie, Harveys Lake. 30-39: None. Masters division: 40-49: None. 50-59: 1. Irene Ghezi, Dallas, 29:37. 60 & over: None.

Field: 40. Official starter: John Martino. Results: Volunteers from Gate of Heaven Catholic Church. Race director: Dan Ghezzi.

Schedule

Sunday, Oct. 9: Steamtown Marathon, starting at Forest City Regional High School at 8 a.m., finishing at Courthouse Square, Scranton. Info: Bill King, 570-963-7864.

Sunday, Oct. 30: Wyoming Valley Striders 29th annual Fall Trail Run, a 5.5 mile age group graded trail race, at the pavilion, near the boat launch area of Frances Slocum Sate Park, Kingston Twp. at noon. Info: Linda Wojnar, 570-262-0603 or Don Grose, 570-239-5792.

Runners start the Back Mountain Catholic Youth 5K Run sponsored by Gate of Heaven School in Dallas on Saturday morning.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_Gate-of-Heaven-5K-1.jpg.optimal.jpgRunners start the Back Mountain Catholic Youth 5K Run sponsored by Gate of Heaven School in Dallas on Saturday morning. Tony Callaio | For Times Leader

Eric Shaver, 25, of Dallas, was the overall winner with a time of 20:41.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_Gate-of-Heaven-5K-2.jpg.optimal.jpgEric Shaver, 25, of Dallas, was the overall winner with a time of 20:41. Tony Callaio | For Times Leader

Natalie Solomon, 36, of Mountaintop, was the overall female winner at 21:06.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_Gate-of-Heaven-5K-3.jpg.optimal.jpgNatalie Solomon, 36, of Mountaintop, was the overall female winner at 21:06. Tony Callaio | For Times Leader

By Robert Miner

For Times Leader