Eastern States 20-Miler

Salisbury, MA, March 25, 2001

Low, Mattheus Tops at Eastern States 20 Mile

by Don Allison

Lead pack crossing into New Hampshire -- photo Rich Bolt

Lead pack crossing into New Hampshire -- photo Rich Bolt
Paul Low made his trip to New England a successful one on Sunday. The Deerfield, Michigan resident was in the area visiting and decided to enter the Eastern States 20 Mile upon the suggestion of friend and fellow runner Dave Dunham.

In just over an hour and three quarters, Low made it from Maine to Massachusetts, racking up half of the New England States in that short time period. In the process, Low dispatched the competition, capturing first place in the second fastest time in race history, 1:47:09.

It was far from a sure thing for Low however, since at mile 16 he was looking at a near 30-second deficit to South African Charl Mattheus, who was also visiting the area and signed on for the 20-mile. An untimely hamstring cramp stopped Mattheus cold at mile 17 though, and Low sized control of the race. "He was tough," Low commented of Mattheus, adding "every time I came back at him he surged ahead." But persistence paid off in victory for Low, a former collegiate cross country standout.

Dunham took second with a come from behind strategy, while Kevin Beck ran a strong 1:50:33 to take third. Eric Beauschene was fourth in 1:51:25, a second ahead of Mattheus, who gamely hobbled home in fifth place. Two time defending champion Byrne Decker was sixth this time around.

All was not lost for the Mattheus traveling party, as Charl's wife Deb made easy work of the women's race, winning in a time of 2:05:06, like Low's the second fastest in race history. Running an even six-minute pace for the first 10 miles, Deb cruised into the finish looking as if she had been out for an easy stroll around the block. "Now I know why I love New England so much!" exclaimed Mattheus, a former Agawam, Massachusetts resident, who now lives in Conifer, Colorado.

Last year's winner Lynn Johnson improved her time by six minutes this year to 2:08:34, but fell one place in the standings. Johnson's teammate Jessica Blake was third in 2:11:39. Age group performances also abounded, highlighted by that of Paul Hoffman, who at age 60 demolished the 60 and over record by more than 10 minutes in a time of 2:20:05.

Nearly 600 runners made the trek from Kittery, Maine to Salisbury, Massachusetts, along the scenic New Hampshire coastline, enjoying a brisk but sunny late March day. In addition, another 130 took part in the accompanying 10-mile race, covering the last half of the 20-mile course.