Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows Everywhere

I don't think the Brothers' Grimm could have scripted a better ending to this year's Wild Rover Series. A truly traditional race, springtime weather with a great block party; does it get any better then this?

Paxon's Jake Kingsbury and and Leicester's Andrew Begin get into the spirit of the event. photo Jim Rhoades

It's been quite awhile since the old Tavern has seen such a large field. One would have to go back to 1982 PC (pre-Coolrunning) to find a larger one. This had to put a smile on race founder Dennis Conners' face as he competed in the race.

Irishman, well at least for today, Dan Vasallo left little doubt from the get-go who was going to own this day. The Wilmington resident and former Colby College standout sped by the graves of Rose Maguire and Jack Kerouac in a spiffy 25:06. He was followed by the Kenyan contingent of Titus Mutinda (27:06) and Benjamin Ndaya (27:11).

The pride of Yale and Bradford, MA, Melissa Donais, showed off her Sapienza genes and led all the women with an impressive 30:22. Not far behind was Tina Dowling (31:00) of Bolton, MA and Larissa Park (32:04) of Somerville, MA.

Apparently the warm weather brought the Irish in lots of folks. Many runners were decked out in their finest greenery. Leprechauns were everywhere!

Sean Donnelly and his team did an outstanding job organizing the event. The Wild Rover Series returns next year for its third go around the Merrimack Valley. Look for announcements late this year. In the meantime, erin go bragh and happy St. Patrick's Day.