It was a perfect morning as close to 4000 people lined up for the first annual B.A.A. 5k. The race followed along the first portion of the 2008 Women's Olympic Trials Marathon course before finishing at the Boston Marathon Finish Line on Boylston Street.
Maria Varela won a close race that saw the top four separated by a mere 5 seconds. Her 17:37 gives her the course record as well. Kristin Murphy was just behind the top group in fifth place as was Brett Ely who placed seventh. Ely is returning to form after being sidelined by stress fractures over the winter.
In the men's race, Matt Ely took the runner-up spot by less than 1 second over third place. Michael Chettle, Ben Schmeckpeper, and Brendan Prindiville all had top ten finishes, placing fourth, fifth, and seventh respectively.
The B.A.A. 5k was added this year to give those not running the marathon a fun, competitive opportunity. Also new to Marathon Weekend were the B.A.A. Invitational Miles that included four races: Boys and Girls Scholastic and Men's and Women's Professional.
