W. Yarmouth Island Run - CCAC Grand Prix #2

W. Yarmouth, MA, December 10, 2000

Competition Heats It Up

As expected, the competition began to intensify at the latest race in the Grand Prix series. 74 runners and walkers turned out for a beautiful run along Nantucket sound and many were surprised by the warmth of the sun as temperatures were in the low 40's for most of the race. However, the bright sun was not enough to melt the snow and ice on the shaded sections of the road which made for some treacherous footing and slipping and sliding in spots. Battles for Grand Prix points are being fiercely contested, especially in the men's 45-49 age group and the clydesdales. In the men's 45-49, John Martin and Skip Michaelson are fighting for top honors while Larry Spencer and Larry Belliveau are currently tied for third and Steve Connors and Will Kadunc are tied in fourth. The latter two races were practical mirror images of Harry's 5 Mile last week as they swapped positions by a single place. The clydesdale field has been filled-out with the arrival of clyde/filly evangelist Greg Ernst and Jeff Zee-Zoufaly. The top spots were claimed by Brian Kelly, Tom Warren and Rob Kadunc two of whom switched out of their age group competition from last week. But now there's no going back! Jane Zee-Zoufaly claimed top honors in the Filly group while Christine Pratt-Gorrill took top honors in the overall female race. Both Lori Horan and Lauren Heyl decided to take the day off. In the men's overall race, CCAC was glad to welcome Mike Brouillette of the Greater Springfield Harriers who ran the race virtually uncontested in 28:20, even after stopping at the 1/2 mile mark to deal with an errant shoelace. There were rumors that Mike had just returned to the area after a trip to Boulder, CO where he had been doing some altitude training in anticipation of this race! Mike was so impressed by the view from the off-road portion of the course around the lighthouse that he just may come back next year. Mike was trailed closely for much of the race by YD runner Colby Monahan who went out hard and finished 3rd overall in 29:15. Coach Jeremy Dodds finished shortly behind him in 6th overall at 30:33. Brewster and Brown put on a fabulous post-race gathering with lots of food and chatting ... and sitting on the deck soaking in the sun and the view of Hyannis harbor. With a fire roaring in the fireplace and the post-race carbohydrates flowing, it doesn't get much better than this.

The Grand Prix series continues every weekend (except 7 January) until the end of January at various locations across the Cape. Cost is $5 for club members and $10 for non-members. All are invited to attend but only club members are eligible for points and awards to be presented at the annual club banquet in February. For more information, visit the CCAC at http://www.capecodathleticclub.org/.