Cool Running :: Race Results

F.I.R.M. MAN Half Ironman Triathlon

1.2 Swim - 56 Bike - 13.1 Run
Westford MA August 18, 1996

By: Charlie Desourdy

The 1996 edition of the FIRM Man Triathlon was another fine event put on by Bill Fiske and Fiske Independent Race Management - F.I.R.M. This was a new location for this event. The point-to-point swim was a little short, but there were plenty of people and boats to keep the approximately 130 entrants and 25 teams that started the half Ironman distance race safe. A short uphill run from the water lead to the transition area within the Westford 4H fairgrounds. Once on the bike competitors had to complete 7 laps of an 8 mile course. The first part of the loop was on a fairly busy road in Chelmsford and there were some congestion problems with drivers seemingly afraid to pass cyclists. Once through Chelmsford center, the busiest part of the course, competitors headed into a more residential area with a gradual rise punctuated by a short climb. Just before the crest of the hill there was a well staffed, well supplied aid station, distributing water bottles, bananas and power bars. After a quick downhill the course winds its way back to the transition area. Athletes were asked to dismount in the road and run there bikes back into transition. The two loop run course exited onto the same road as the bike and then headed left for two miles of shaded winding country road. The middle section of the run includes one notable hill and some sun than one would care for at that time of day.

Overall winner Janda Ricci-Munn, competing since this time last summer finished the swim in the middle of the pack but posted the fastest bike split of the day and the second fastest run split of the day to earn the victory. The top three men were rounded out by Richard Ely who moved into second place 9 miles into the run, and 40-44 year old Frank Corsaro who started the race in the second wave had the fastest run split of the day to earn third place. For the women it was Julie Walsh of Manhattan NY who led the entire way, followed by Judi Pignatare who was in second place all day. Cindy Mccaffrey, who was 3 min. behind the leaders out of the water and made up ground on the bike and run to take third place.


Overall Men:
Janda Ricci-Munn                4:14:53
Richard Ely                     4:17:12
Frank Corsaro                   4:19:07
Charlie Desourdy                4:19:29
Kurt Korn                       4:24:45

Overall Women:
Julie Walsh                     4:53:43
Judi Pignatare                  5:08:19
Cindy McCaffrey                 5:12:56
Molly Tyson                     5:14:06
Donna Rubin                     5:16:15

1st Masters Male:
Frank Corsaro                   4:19:07

1st Masters Female:
Cindy McCaffrey                 5:12:56