UNION SPRINGS - The Deuce, a two-mile run held that benefits the Union Springs Village Museum, over the years has hosted an array of runners from Central New York and throughout entire state. Sure enough that type of success was the case in the ninth annual run, held Friday.

The Deuce was started by Russ Ebbet, a spine doctor in Union Springs and owner of his own business. He always wanted to include a sport that he had participated in - running. His plans when he started the event was to raise money for a non-profit organization.

“I looked all over to find one,” Ebbet said. “The museum is one that stuck out to me. I also noticed that this community had never had a community event connected with athletics.”

Auburn's Ryan Gilmore (11:11) was the top male finisher. Last year, Gilmore ended up placing third (10:40), but this year a little confusion affected his time. During the race, Gilmore's teammate Chris Mason was in first place, but was guided down the wrong path of the course. That ended up costing him time as well as others that followed him and a possible first-place finish.

“I was pleased with the run,” Gilmore said. “I can't really judge my time, because of the events that triggered it, but even with all the mix-up it was a good race. Of course it was also nice to break the tape for the event.”

Ebbet, too, was disappointed with the course confusion, but extremely proud of the help he received from the museum and its members.

“Those type of things happen in track and races,” Ebbet said. “I've been a part of over 150 racing events and it's the second time it has happened to me. It was a disappointment for the racers, but the event was a success. The museum did an excellent job with the race overall.”

Phil Pangbianco, of Baldwinsville, came in second place (11:14) and Dan Ver of Liverpool finished in third (11:20). Corning's Scott Bickham took fourth place (11:21) and Shane Ruddy of Seneca Falls placed fifth (11:24).

Chris Mason finished up in sixth place (11:32) and ran the event to train for the Junior College nationals, next weekend in Columbus, Ohio.

“I wanted to know my time and where I am heading into nationals,” Chris Mason said. “I feel like I could have went faster in the end or even the 600-meter race.”

Seventh place went to Union Springs' Joel Terry (12:10). He ran the event to train for his upcoming season at Liberty University.

“I trained for this after the track season,” Terry said. “I ran it more just to keep in shape for track. I mean it's a great event that Russ puts on and is a lot of fun. I ran it the last two years and had finished fifth last year.”

Johnathon Asbury of Waterloo came in eight (12:13) and George Young from Penneville (13:01) took ninth.

“The one of many positives of this event is the outcome that is presented from different locations,” Ebbet said. “It's always nice when you have people from Western New York coming to the central part to run a race.”

Rounding out the top 10 for the males was Chip O'Hara of Auburn (13:09).

In the mile run for the Male Masters (40+), Bickham took first, while Shane Ruddy was the top finisher in the High School Boys category.

Waterloo's Leann Donnelly (11:12) won the women's event and Seneca Falls' Shanna Craig took second. Michelle Wilmot, of Union Springs, placed third and Patricia Fleischman, of Auburn, ended up in fourth.

“I was happy with my performance today,” Fleischman said.

Meghan Guzewicz also of Auburn placed fifth and Homer's Allison Dafoe came in sixth. Marty Roberts from Penn Yan earned seventh and Auburn's Lindsey Guzewicz came in eighth. Sarah Leary from Skaneateles finished in ninth and Auburn's Kalie Logue was in 10th.

Roberts won the Female Masters (40+) while Wilmot took top honors in the High School Girls division.

The male team winners went to the Pole Stars, which was consisted of Wayne Mason, Chris Mason and Ryan Gilmore.

“I was very honored to take first place with my teammates,” Wayne Mason said.