Coffee-O-Five

Falmouth, MA, November 1, 2002

Coffee O Fivers Run Through the Dark....Bianchine and Baker Take First

by Ken Gartner

Twenty-three runners and fifteen walkers donned warm sweats and reflective clothing and set off into the darkness for this week's Coffee-O-Five. Several runners and walkers actually set out earlier to take advantage of the daylight, which is allowed by the official Coffee-O-Five by-laws and official rules and regulations. It was Michele Bianchine of Venice, Italy who broke the tape first this week. The veteran Italian runner, who tends to surface in Woods Hole several times a year, finished in 32:28. Jess Baker actually took second over-all as she led the women this week in just a shade over 34 minutes. Roger Francois took fourth over-all. Peter Landry, who definitely doesn't like running in the dark, traversed the course unscathed for a fifth place finish. He ran alongside Ben Pring the whole way. Paul Hartel, who just chalked up a sub 4 hour marathon in Dublin, Ireland last week, looked none the worse for wear and he finished in 40 minutes flat. Stace Beaulieu took second for the women in 42:16. Mary Olenick edged Elizabeth Waldman for third. Judi Keller rounded out the top five for the women. The Coffee-O-Five is a weekly five mile run and 2.4 mile walk which is held every Friday night at 5:30. Although a large number of the walkers were talking about starting early at 4:30 next week. There is no entry fee and all runners and walkers are welcome to participate. Reflective vests are required through the winter.