U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Duathlon

Cape Cod, MA

May 25, 1996

from: Paula Moyer * 61 Washington Street, #2 * Newburyport, MA 01950 * (508) 463-2580

While most New Englanders buried themselves under wool blankets early Saturday morning of Memorial Day weekend, 175 competitors and nine teams braved the chilly, breezy conditions for F.I.R.M.'s 4th Annual U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Duathlon on Cape Cod, MA.

The run and bike course were flat, flat, flat, so the challenges lay in conquering the gusty headwinds and crosswinds throughout the 2/12/2-mile run/bike/run. Once the race started, the runners warmed up a bit on the relatively sheltered running course. The transition to the bike was an adjustment to cooler temperatures, as gusts of wind challenged racers as they came around the corners. The final portion of the race had some riders crossing paths with runners, but the marshals were able to direct the traffic quite capably.

F.I.R.M. races are always well-run, according to Bill Riley of Marston Mills, MA. As a knowledgeable competitor (winner of the male 55-59 category and 21st overall with a time of 57:06), Bill adds that Fiske races are "the best in New England," as they are well-attended and run like a top. Fiske has been "coming on like gangbusters," with numerous successful duathlons and triathlons throughout the New England area. If you'd like information on the F.I.R.M. races held for the rest of the '96 season, call Bill at (508) 485-5855.

The competitors in the Cape Cod duathlon were honored to be in the presence of two Olympic torch bearers. Bill Fiske, who runs the F.I.R.M. race series, and Henry Renaud, a competitor from Marlboro, MA, will carry the torch through a portion of Massachusetts on its way to Atlanta. Good luck!

Male Open
1 Carmen Monks Belmont, MA 50:18
2 George Bent Centerville, MA 50:41
3 Trond Nystad Burlington, VT 52:21
4 Voncent Kotowski Worcester, MA 52:41
5 Scott Fusco Winchester, MA 52:48

Female Open
1 Kathleen Donnellan Walpole, MA 59:01
2 Martha Geisler Marblehead, MA 1:00:30
3 Jennifer Allard Burlington, VT 1:03:13
4 Joann Demicco Plainville, CT 1:05:00
5 Jeanne Tucker Essex, CT 1:05:09

Male Team
1 J. Dooley/M. Ruane Hanover, MA 55:26

Female Team
1 K. Rea/C. Benitez Roslindale, MA 1:04:52

Mixed Team
1 T. Battista/A. Tresky Auburn, MA 1:02:21

Male Over 40
1 Rick Conroy Arlington, MA 56:51

Female Over 40
1 Jeanne Tucker Essex, CT 1:05:09