Coffee-O-Five Race

Falmouth, MA, November 8, 2002

Bradley and Baker Pace Coffee O Women

by by Ken Gartner

There was a strong, brutal head-wind going out this week and a brisk helpful tail-wind coming back this week at the CoffeeO-Five. Twenty-four runners and another eight walkers took part. The walk is still going strong which is a surprise, as the event which was started this spring, was originally slated to just go through just the summer months. However, the walkers have proved to be a tough and determined group and have not yet been deterred by the darkness or the cold. Andrew Hassey was the early pace setter and wind breaker this week. He led the way for the first mile with a pack of 10 runners strung out behind him patiently letting the Falmouth High harrier do all the work. Michele Bianchini took third in the end, as he trailed Mike Norton by a couple of minutes. Mr. Norton finished in a tie for first. Mike Ouimet finally got a Friday night off of work and the former Coffee-O-Five regular, traversed the course for his first time since last spring. He held on to finish fourth in the men's race. Peter Murphy who hails from the other side of the Bridge was the fifth man this week. Margaret Bradley and Jess Baker ran side by side and finished in a tie for first in the women's race. Their time of 33:46 placed them fourth over-all. Lindsay Dutton turned in a fast time as well, and she finished in 36 minutes. Nancy Ash of Tampa, Florida made her Coffee-O debut and made only one mistake. She chose Mike Garry to guide her through the course for the first time, and somehow the veteran of over 50 Coffee-O-Fivers managed to veer off course. She regrouped for a fifth place finish, just a minute behind Mary Olenick. The Coffee-O-Five is a weekly five mile running race and a 2.4 mile noncompetitive walk. There is no entry fee for this self-timed event and all runners and walkers are invited to participate. It starts at 5:30 at Town Hall Square in Falmouth. Coffee Obsession graciously supplies post race drinks for the thirsty runners and walkers.