Cleveland Marathon 10K — F70-74: Wildman rules the age group

• Cindy Wildman, 73, took the F70-74 title in 1:06:45 (10:45/mi avg)
• Linda Awig, 72, finished 2nd in 1:14:46 (12:02/mi avg)
• The two women were separated by 8:01 at the finish line
• Both completed the 10K in humid, breezy conditions — 83% humidity and a 15 mph wind at 67°F

In a two-woman showdown among Cleveland's fastest 70-to-74-year-olds, Cindy Wildman of South Euclid made it look authoritative. The 73-year-old crossed in 1:06:45, averaging 10:45 per mile through the humidity and wind to claim the F70-74 title outright.

Linda Awig, the 72-year-old Cleveland local, gave chase but couldn't close the gap, finishing in 1:14:46 at a 12:02/mi pace. The 1:17/mi difference in their average paces tells the story clearly — Wildman was the stronger runner on this day, and the 8:01 margin at the line reflected it.

Credit to both women for getting out on a muggy May morning in Cleveland — 83% humidity and a 15 mph wind are no small obstacle at any age. Wildman and Awig were the only two to toe the line and finish in the F70-74 group, making every step count.