It hardly seemed like a mid-summer race as the competitors toed the line at the Marathon Sports 5 Miler in Weston, MA on Thursday, July 23, 2009. With temperatures in the 60s accompanied by rain and mist, it was a perfect night for racing. Several club members recorded personal bests with many placing in their age group.
Two-time defending champion, Matt Ely ran a strong race, just missing out on the three-peat. His time of 24:25 was just four seconds behind the winner and bettered the course record of 25:08 that he set here in 2007. (The 2008 race was run on a modified 4.9 mile course).
The B.A.A. also boasted runner-up honors in the Men's Masters category as John Fortescue ran 26:24, good enough for 9th overall. Also taking runner-up honors in their age group were Michael Emanuel in the 30-39 age group category and Dennis Herman in the 60-69 age group. Ben Schersten also placed in his age group, taking 3rd in the 30-39 year division.
In the women's race, Kristin Murphy ran a solid 29:26, placing 5th overall and second in her age group. Murphy is gradually returning to racing after taking some time off from speedwork. Christine O'Donnell ran a PR, sneaking under 30 minutes for the first time with her 29:59. She placed seventh overall and 3rd in the 19-29 category. In the 30-39 division, Ginger Reiner placed second in 30:58, a mere six months after giving birth to her first child. Beth Coughlin was third in that division in 31:24. Also placing in her age group was Michelle Lauterback whose 33:21 earned her the bronze in the masters' category.
The third and final race of the B.A.A. Summer Series takes place this coming Tuesday, July 28th at the Yankee Homecoming 10 Miler in Newburyport, MA. The club will then resume USATF New England Grand Prix competition on September 12th with the Ollie 5 Miler.
RESULTS 2. Matthew Ely 24:25 9. Jonathan Fortescue 26:24 12. Andreas Heilmann 26:55 13. John Colavincenzo 26:58 14. Michael Emanuel 27:01 15. Ben Schersten 27:04 17. Chris George 27:13 18. Christopher Benestad 27:23 29. Matthew Herman 28:00 30. Joshua Gordon 28:05 32. Bob Collins 28:17 35. Kevin Hill 28:27 36. Michael Vitelli 28:28 37. Andy MacDonald 28:31 50. Kristin Murphy 29:26 55. Brian Foley 29:34 63. Wayne Chan 29:55 66. Christine O'Donnell 29:59 74. Erin Heslin 30:12 75. Bernie O'Reilly 30:16 86. Craig Macfarlane 30:47 92. Ginger Reiner 30:58 103. David Consigli 31:19 106 Beth Coughlin 31:24 119. Peter DeCambre 32:06 161. Michelle Lauterback 33:21 173. Jacquelyn Cilley 33:39 187. Dennis Herman 33:59 190. John Podobinski 34:03 196. Jim Thompson 34:15 271. Richard Cleary 35:47 276. Karen Ringheiser 35:58 331. Marcela Norton 37:10 388. Kristin Sargianis 38:33
