Jingle Jog - CCAC Grand Prix #4

Dennis, MA, December 24, 2000

'Twas The Night Before Christmas ...

'Twas the Night Before Christmas ....

... and all through the Nally's house, lots of runner's were stirring, and stretching, and lacing, and warming .... Typically an annual fun run, the Jingle Jog was elevated to the status of a Grand Prix points race this year and 48 runners showed up, eager to capitalize while others were away or otherwise occupied. A more seasonable 32 degrees greeted runners on the third day after the solstice as well as some leftover snow and ice from earlier in the week. In contrast to previous weeks, many arrived later than usual and left early with some remaining shopping or other holiday festivities on the agenda. Tom and Pat took the day off from racing and concentrated on entertaining while their dog concentrated on the janitorial duties. Mike Herlihy must be extremely sloppy as the dog followed him around for much of the afternoon. After deciding which crack on the road to start at, Tom Nally started the race and Mike Sellars and Michael Parker took an early lead. Jeff Totten, back from Portland, OR for the holidays chipped away methodically at the lead and was well established by the first mile. Running stride for stride with Geof Newton for much of the next two miles, Jeff accelerated in the last mile to finish first in 22:29. Jeff is firmly set on qualifying for the Cross-Country nationals to be held in Oregon in mid-February and is considering training for a marathon in May. Mike Sellars edged Michael Parker by 10 seconds to claim 3rd overall and 1st in the M40-44 age group and was followed by Jeremy Dodds in 5th. Cathy Klim claimed the women's top spot in 26:47. Kathleen Thomas and Mary Peabody claimed 2nd and 3rd female overall slots. Jane Zee again took the top Filly spot and 4th woman overall and Janet Jordan completed the top 5.

As we reach the halfway point in the series, points are becoming more and more critical. In the M45-49 division, Will Kadunc was the first finisher of the day and his 10 points launched him past Steve Connors and into a tie with Skip Michaelson. Two points now separate Mike Sellars and Michael Parker in the M40-44 while in the F50-54, Janet Jordan is rapidly gaining ground on Cheryl Falletti. President Joe picked up 10 points just for showing up and Bill Masterson gained some group as Bill Riley took the day off. In the Clydesdale race, Dwight Pfundstein holds a 2 point lead over Brian Kelly by virtue of consistent 2nd and 3rd place AG finishes in all series races thus far. Jane Zee continues to lead the Filly division trailed by Jane Lovelette 3 points behind. Scoring best 5 out of 8, the next race may be the decision in several of the AG competitions.

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/.