January 24, 1998
Lafreniere Park, Metairie
Race Director: Chuck George
Race Chairman: Ed Lee
The Chinese New Year Festival Race in Lafreniere Park proclaimed the Year of the Tiger. A field of 500 participated in the 1 mile and 5K and enjoyed the many oriental dishes, crafts, games, cultural entertainment and demonstrations as well as the Lion Dance which is the highlight of the day. The kids in the 1 mile and 5K were all presented with kites and the overall and age group trophies for both races were accented with figurines depicting various Chinese gods. In the 5K race, overall winner Paul Mutai defended his 1997 title with a time of course record time of 15:40, this is even more impressive in that he was fresh off his overall win at the Nokia Sugar Bowl Mardi Gras Marathon only one week prior. Stacy Cusimano led the womens 5K and won with a 19:26 time. Also in the womens field was Cathie Koss, the defending 97 womens winner and also Marathon champion from one week prior, she finished 4th. The 5K racewalkers were led by Jose Villata at 28:28 and Sonia Lombardiono at 32:30. Winter Trapolin, the senior member of the NOTC celebrated his 85th Birthday, walked the 1 mile and was the official starter of the race. Charlie Wimberley, captured the 60-64 age group and celebrated his 63rd birthday.
Proceeds benefited the Chinese Presbyterian Church.
| Male | Age | Time | Female | Age | Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | ||||||
| Paul Mutai | 25 | 15:40 | Stacy Cusimano | 17 | 19:26 | |
| Masters | ||||||
| Leo Lafrance | 45 | 19:49 | Harriett Handshaw | 44 | 21:48 | |
| 12-Under | ||||||
| Spence Colwell | 10 | 25:39 | Sara Ann Stuart | 11 | 23:00 | |
| John Pratt | 11 | 26:52 | Naomi Cross | 10 | 33:40 | |
| 13-19 | ||||||
| Ben Broussard | 18 | 18:33 | Krissie Cusimano | 16 | 20:09 | |
| Ryan Raiford | 17 | 18:46 | Jeana Richard | 15 | 30:05 | |
| 20-24 | ||||||
| Brian Ham | 20 | 18:02 | Lisa Bergeron | 22 | 25:39 | |
| Cliff Franz | 24 | 19:21 | Angela Smith | 22 | 25:48 | |
| 25-29 | ||||||
| Paul Bodet | 29 | 18:14 | Erika Hewitt | 26 | 22:18 | |
| Pat Herron | 26 | 20:53 | Angie Casagrande | 27 | 23:01 | |
| 30-34 | ||||||
| Darrin Napolitano | 31 | 18:52 | Cathie Koss | 31 | 21:15 | |
| Jose Cusco | 32 | 19:18 | Annet Janssen | 32 | 22:06 | |
| 35-39 | ||||||
| Don Goff | 36 | 18:26 | Vickie Reade | 36 | 19:46 | |
| Jerry Kennedy | 39 | 20:07 | Donna Burke | 37 | 21:15 | |
| 40-44 | ||||||
| Jeff Gohd | 44 | 20:15 | Patty Carey | 44 | 23:06 | |
| Bob Lanteigne | 43 | 20:47 | Jo Ann Duhe | 41 | 23:26 | |
| 45-49 | ||||||
| Ron Brinkman | 47 | 20:05 | Yoko Pepera | 47 | 22:38 | |
| Terry Langley | 47 | 20:49 | Mary Dee Brinkman | 47 | 25:16 | |
| 50-54 | ||||||
| Paul Baran | 51 | 19:52 | Jackie Wolverton | 50 | 28:06 | |
| Richard Holmes | 52 | 21:06 | Rosa Bonilla | 52 | 31:21 | |
| 55-59 | ||||||
| Robert Meyers | 55 | 23:08 | Jane Stewart | 56 | 31:44 | |
| Bill Jennings | 59 | 24:23 | Marie Boesch | 55 | 32:31 | |
| 60-64 | ||||||
| Charlie Wimberley | 63 | 21:02 | Betty Waguespack | 62 | 34:28 | |
| Lester Verbois | 63 | 23:12 | Tina Soonet | 63 | 41:27 | |
| 65-Over | ||||||
| Bob Allen | 70 | 24:18 | Amelia Gassen | 70 | 40:59 | |
| Robert Madere | 65 | 26:09 | Maudell Greco | 67 | 41:38 | |
| RaceWalkers Overall | ||||||
| Jose Villalta | 40 | 28:28 | Sonia Lombardino | 41 | 32:30 | |
| Fred Thibodeaux | 64 | 34:30 | Denise Surratt | 48 | 33:28 | |
| Glen Laborde | 51 | 34:53 | Connie McClosky | 35 | 34:36 | |