Alliette "Cools" Off Field at Whirlaway 10K
Something happened that had never happened before at the 6th Annual Whirlaway 10K Summer Classic. It was "COLD"! Over the last 5 years temperatures have been in the 80's to mid 90's, so Sunday morning's temperature of 55 degrees was a warm, ahhh make that cool, welcome for the field!

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Posted Sunday, 16 June, 2002

METHUEN, MA - Something happened that had never happened before at the 6th Annual Whirlaway 10K Summer Classic. It was "COLD"! Over the last 5 years temperatures have been in the 80's to mid 90's, so Sunday morning's temperature of 55 degrees was a warm, hmmm make that cool, welcome for the field!

The absence of defending champion and course record holder David Hinga opened the gates for a handful of potential winners. Leading the charge was two-time champion Paul Hammond of Lexington, Bradford's Dan Verrington who was second to Hinga in 2001, University of Lowell standout Kevin Alliette of Methuen who had his best finish ever in 2001 for 3rd and Matt St. Germaine of Plaistow who has been a constant top five finisher.

"It was perfect weather for once," said Race Director Dave Kazanjian. "Looking at these guys, it was a toss up for the win." All four runners immediately took to the front to push the pace. Moving though the first mile in 4:54; it was the young Alliette (21) and St Germain (22) who pressed the pace over road veteran's Hammond (42) and Verrington (39).

The smooth running Alliette went through 2 miles in 9:58 and 3 miles in 14:59 leaving Hammond and St. Germain thinking about 3rd place. Road warrior, Dan Verrington, who ran Mount Washington the previous day was not about to hand the race over to Alliette yet. Alliette's fifteen second lead was down to 2 seconds with just over a mile to go. Alliette's speed on the final half mile was too much for Verrington to handle. Alliette crossed the line in a personal best time of 31:28 which was 1:34 faster than his 2001 performance and 3rd fastest time ever on the Whirlaway course. Verrington was second in 31:43, followed by Hammond 32:22 in 3rd and St. Germaine 33:13 for 4th.

Once again the duo of Dick and Rick Hoyt made an appearance at the Whirlaway Classic and were signing their new book after the race. And yes, Dick once again won the 60 and over age group by 4 seconds!! "He ran 2 minutes faster than last year," said Kazanjian. "It was great to have them run the race. "As I've said before, they are amazing -- truly amazing!"

On the women's side, 21 year old Kristen Iworsky of Amesbury (40:36) out paced Yuki Minami of Merrimack, NH 41:36 and 3rd place finisher Alda Cossi of Winchester 41:59.

"Overall it was another great day for us," said Kazanjian. "The temperature was cool, but the rain scared a few people away. I owe a lot to my sponsors who have helped over the years; New Balance, Kalil Dental, Coke, Gu and Timex. Because of their generosity, it has allowed us to give awards five deep in all divisions!"

The race was followed with a raffle and plenty of refreshments. So don't forget to put this one on the schedule for next year.

Related info:
Race Results

Race Photos

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