B.A.A. Men's Team and Matt Ely Are Crowned USATF New England Grand Prix Champions; Westerling is Runner-Up
10/19/2008
The B.A.A. Men's Open Team had double-duty on Sunday, October 19, 2008 as they sought to hold onto first place in the USATF New England Grand Prix standings while simultaneously competing for the marathon title. They were successful on the first count, but had to settle for the runner-up spot at the Baystate Marathon.
Some 1200 people competed in the sold-out race in Lowell, MA on Sunday, October 19th, which served as the USATF New England Grand Prix Marathon Championship. It was the last race in the 2008 Grand Prix series.
The men's team was bolstered by the addition of two newcomers to the club: John Larosa, recently joined the B.A.A.. He, along with his brother, B.A.A. veteran Mark Larosa, were the first two club members across the line in 4th and 15th place respectively. The third scorer was Matt Kerr, who finished in 21st place and is also a new addition to the club. Leslie Hocking was the first female finisher for the B.A.A. and was the second woman overall.
As the final results were tallied, two B.A.A. runners were honored for their performances in the 2008 USATF New England Grand Prix: Matt Ely finished first in the overall standings while Heidi Westerling took runner-up honors. Ely is the third member of the men's team to capture the Grand Prix title in the last six years; Previous winners were Patrick Moulton in 2006, Chris Magill in 2002, and Mike Slavin in 1986.
This year marks the second time that the men have won the title outright and they have also shared the title twice: in 1986 they tied with CMS, they won the title in 2002, and tied in 2003 with the Whirlaway Racing Team The women have won the title three times: 1997, 1999, and 2001.
RESULTS:
4. John Larosa 2:34:06 15. Mark Larosa 2:38:52 21. Matthew Kerr 2:43:22 62. Leslie Hocking 2:57:33 ( 2nd place female) 128. Paul Morrison 3:07:10 164. Jesse Bump 3:12:38 181. Harry Pino 3:14:42 182. Karen Mahoney-Ringheiser 3:14:57
TEAM RESULTS: 1. Whirlaway = 7:41:10 2. BOSTON ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION 2:34:06 2:38:52 2:43:23 (3:07:10) (3:12:43) (3:14:54) = 7:56:21 John Larosa, Mark Larosa, Matthew Kerr, Paul Morrison, Jesse Bump, Harry Pino 3. GBTC = 8:03:56
Visit the Event Website for Baystate Marathon Results.
