For the 2^nd year in a row the fickle New England weather God’s gave us snow (over 6”) but took it away with temperatures in the 50’s leading up to the race.  Unlike last year, the course was left slick with icy spots and even some crusty snow on the gas line.  Over 20 runners showed up to take the challenge and get a look at the latest version of the Dion snowshoes.  Times were slightly slower than last year due to the icy spots, including a treacherous crossing of the beaver dam which was coated with a thin layer of ice.  Richard Bolt took the overall victory (the day after winning the Sterling “Freezer Five” by over 3 minutes) with a strong sub 18 effort on the 3.3m mostly out/back course.  4^th Place finisher Wesley Lassen ran in shorts and singlet!   Laurel Shortell won the women’s race and continues her streak of consecutive WMAC races.   Cathy Dunham picked up course markers as she ran and was the third finisher for the victorious CMS team.   CMS narrowly won the team competition beating the Merrimack Valley Striders and the Western MA Athletic Club by two and seven points respectively.

Thank you to the helpers at the race without whom I could not have held the race.

Cathy Dunham – Set up, taking down course markings.

Dan Verrington – Set Up, Timing/Scoring.

Alan Beebe – Course marking.

James Pawlicki – Photography.

Everyone else who pitched in!

Wes Lassen                               Richard Busa (age 75)               Laurel  Shortell