Western Mass Distance Project XC Meet

By John Barbour

Congratulations to the Greater Lowellites who raced last Sunday in the second stop in the USATF-NE cross country series, the Western Mass Distance Project meet in Westfield.

Trish Bourne finished in the top half of the women’s field and kicked Heineken over all masters in 20:14 for the tough 5K course.

Ryan Gough led the way among dudes with a fine 14th-place 27:36 for 8K, with ageless Mark Reeder not far behind in 27:55 to whomp up on Seniors.  Yours truly came in at 32:08 chased by Bill Dixon in 32:34 – almost certainly the top Vet, but race-day signer-ups’ ages were not recorded, which affects team scores.  Let’s just say that GLRR won the Senior team title and leave it at that.  Which of course we did.

Upcoming Races

Manchester Marathon

Nov. 3rd in Manchester, NH.

Register online at http://www.cityofmanchestermarathon.com/, notify Glenn, and the club will reimburse you $70.  Make sure your USATF membership is up to date.

Race for Justice 

When: Saturday November 9th. Race starts at 10:30.

Where: 40 Old Ferry Road, Lowell (Lowell Elks Lodge)

Course: 5 mile out-and-back into the Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsborough State Forest. Pretty flat. Mostly on roads, with a short bit on dirt.

More info and registration: http://www.race4justice.com/

Details: t-shirts to first 250, chip timing by Yankee Timing, planning by SOAR Events, AG prizes from Mann Orchards, cash prizes for first female and male. All proceeds benefit Merrimack Valley Legal Services, providing free legal aid to those in need. 

NE Grand Prix XC Championships

October 10th at Franklin Park.

Contact John Barbour at (617) 325-1376 or mcbarbour@verizon.net.

Mill Cities Relay

The Mill Cities Relay is Dec 8th this year.

If you are interested in running, please send your First Name, Last Name, Age, Contact Email, Contact Phone #, and Average Pace for a 5K.

Please send that info to: glrrmillcities@gmail.com.

We ask that you renew your GLRR membership before signing up for the relay if you are currently not up-to-date on your dues.

More info on the relay: http://millcities.com/.

Club National XC Championships

December 14th in Bend, Oregon.

Runners who have run at least two XC races including the NE championships should contact John Barbour at (617) 325-1376 or mcbarbour@verizon.net if they're interested.

Ashworth Awards Baystate Marathon and Half Marathon

Photo by Andrea Shelton

Another Baystate Marathon is in the books!  The weather was a little windy, but otherwise perfect for the runners.  Of the 1344 marathon finishers, 335 qualified for Boston.  That's a whopping 25%.  Add in 1557 half marathon finishers and we had just under 3000 satisfied customers on the day.

Volunteers

Somewhere around 500 volunteers were assembled to make these races happen.  A heartfelt thanks to everyone who volunteered their time and energy to put this event on.  Without the volunteers the race obviously wouldn't happen -- and it takes an army for a race of this size.  A special thanks to the race committee, who devoted time all year to organize this gem of a race.  

Racers

Mary Casey-Gorman with another strong showing.
Photo by Jimmy Shelton

The Green not only helped many a runner get to the finish -- several put in great performances of their own. The Half Marathon leader board was riddled with Angry Chickens.  Steve Gendron was second overall. Candice Gagnon, Chris Hancock, Ken Cain, Lori McInerny, and Mary Casey-Gorman all placed in their respective age groups.

Sue Bourque sporting a 6 minute PR smile.
Photo by Zona Sharfman

Several GLRR competed in the Marathon as well.  Westford's Katie Schroth was 3rd female with an impressive 3:07.  Tom Peters won his age group by 6 minutes with a 3:15.  Alex Eld ran a 3:01...a 10 minute PR and BQ.  Sue Bourque cut 6 minutes off her PR after spending the previous morning on her feet at number pick-up.  A nice 'tune-up' for the Stone Cat 50 miler.

Feedback

The feedback on the race has been overwhelmingly positive.  The runners greatly appreciated all the volunteers and the organization.  One runner even pulled me aside in church to make sure I knew how well organized and friendly the event was.  She is considering joining the club due to the experience she had in her first half marathon.

Feedback on the Baystate Facebook page.

Results can be found at http://www.coolrunning.com/results/13/ma/Oct20_Ashwor_set1.shtml.