2nd Annual GMAA Common to Common 30k

Weather: cloudy, temps in the high 60s to low 70s, calm winds, humidity between 80 and 90%
Race Director: Steve Eustis
Summary: Torrential rains the night before the race hurt attendance but softened the dirt roads nicely for the 63 finishers. The rain stopped a couple hours before the race and remained at bay the entire time, but the humidity managed to soak the runners anyway. The defining feature of this years race was the bridge (or lack thereof) on Woods Hollow Road at 7.7 miles. The deck of the new span was poured and solid, and step ladders on either side of the approach (and Eric Tremble's aid) helped folks up and over. Others chose to head down to the creek and rock hop across. One runner said it was a good way to overcome her fear of ladders, and many others mentioned it was a neat and memorable way to break up the distance. Both the men's and women's races were well defined and there was little shuffling of places among the top finishers over the distance. Joe McNamara and Cindy New both bettered their times from 2004, dropping their respective 40s age group records, with Cindy bettering the course record at the same time with her second straight win. Both led line to line unchallenged in times of 1:55:37 and 2:13:27. Michael Early finished second for the men in 2:00:34. Jad Daley and Roger Plamondon ran together through 20K when Roger opened up a 100 meter lead on the mile 13 hill. Jad slowly reeled him during the descents after mile 14 and passed him at mile 18 to claim the third position in 2:03:51. Jessica Cover was third two miles in but was in second by the 10K mark and finished in that position in 2:20:33 after running three nearly identical 10K splits. Mary Fagan finished third in 2:28:33. Besides Joe's and Cindy's age group records, Bud White set the 50s age group record with a 2:12:37 and Jessica's time set the new standard for the 30s. Many folks ran more or less even 10K splits, but only three ran each 10K faster - Charlie Windisch, Ellie Bouffard, and Laura Scarpinato. From a placement standpoint Jeff Buzas and John Brennan were the big movers, at 27th and 29th at 10K, but finishing 14th and 16th respectively. The award for the loudest cheering section went to Kate Zehnacker's fans, which could be heard from a distance at several locations on the course. Thanks to all the runners and volunteers who helped make the race a special event.
Volunteers: Jeannie Quintin, Jim Crouse, Eric Tremble, Angela Duquette, Ted McKnight, Bob Morgan, Annie & Andy & Avery & Alden Follett, Anne Treadwell and sons, Joan Wry, Lily and Mary Graham, Ron Leggett, Marty Linsiesen, Bob Corey, Michael Gordon, Clif Rivers, Jeff Spencer, Danielle Graham, Andrew Pederson, Tom Chadwick, and Bill Everett
Thanks to: Chapin Orchard, Baker's Dozen, Anything's Pastable, and Hannaford's for donated and/or discounted prizes and refreshments.