One quick story: finisher #21 at 54:59, Bouaza Abidi of Kingston, a known speedster, spotted everyone about 12 or 13 minutes by having trouble finding the start of the race. When he got there, the pack had gone and he still took time to register and maybe or maybe not warm up. Then he started flying past everyone, but he couldn't overcome everyone. Bouaza: please come back next year. You were smoking when you past me. I am sure you will put the pressure on the other leaders.
One other quick story. Gary Longhi, being seriously focused on the road, came upon an arrow at the intersection of Academy Hill and North Rd. The arrow, unfortunately was not of the race, but a left over highway maker pointing to a drain or something. Now, the arrow was on the far side of the intersection, and there had been instructions about no left turn, but being focused, he followed the arrow, turned left and went up the hill. After all, it was a hill race.
But in fact, he should have stayed on Academy Hill and this probably cost him 30 seconds or more. He probably would have moved up a notch or two in the standings. I don't really know official track rules in situations like this, so I could do nothing, or I could give him 30 seconds for lost time and then penalize him 30 seconds for not following race director, who repeated several times at starting line NO LEFT TURNS. Sorry, Gary…
Thanks to everybody for running and helping. Come back in a few days for more information and pictures.
- - Van Talmage